ENG360

DR. CHRYSAVGI Analysis & Literary

PAPAGIANNI
Interpretation (Elements of
Story)

BERNICE BOBS HER

HAIR (FITZGERALD)

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PROVIDE ANSWERS BASED ON YOUR
READING OF THE STORY (SUBMIT IN CLASS
TASKS (INSTR. ASSESSMENTS)
Plot summary (keep it short >3-5 sentences):
The plot of the story revolves around Bernice who is visiting her cousin Marjorie
for a month. However, Marjorie is popular, and guys like her while Bernice does
not know she is boring until she overhears Marjorie and her mother. She then
decides to let Marjorie teach her how to be popular, which is why she bobs her hair.
Theme/s:
The theme of the story is about societal expectations especially in the time where
the story took place, there was a lot of emphasis on how to look good for guys or
how to present yourself in a way that is appealing to men. So, it was largely
focused on sexist ideologies typical of the early 1900’s
Setting:
The story takes place in a somewhat western city.

Narrator/Point of View:
Third-person Narration

Characters (dynamic, static):

Protagonist
Bernice
 Antagonist
Marjorie

PLOT:
Conflict
Bernice overhears Marjorie and her mother say that she is boring and
decides to confront Marjorie about it. The Marjorie decides to help her.
Rising Action
Bernice begins to become popular and attract the attention of the guys.
Climax
This is when the guy that Marjorie likes, Warren, starts to move towards
Bernice and Marjorie feels threatened. This is where Marjorie becomes the
antagonist of the story.
Falling Action
During a party Marjorie, jealous of Bernice, tells everyone that Bernice
doesn’t plan to bob her hair. This challenges Bernice and everyone
becomes curious to see if she will or not.
Resolution/Denouement
Bernice finally gets her hair bobbed, but no one reacts well to it, even
Bernice hates it. Marjorie mocks Bernice and then when Bernice is going to
leave, she cuts off Marjorie’s hair while she sleeps.

Favorite quote? (page pdf)

"Do you mean to say that men notice eyebrows?" (pg 5). I thought this quote was funny
because of how ridiculous I find it to be.

Favorite moment in the story?

My favorite moment is at the end when Bernice cuts off Marjorie’s hair.

What would you change if you could re-write the story?

I would condense it and get straight to the point. There was a lot of
unnecessary text.

YOU can use these notes as your first journal entry

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