Final answer:
The excerpts depict the protagonist, Bernice, undergoing a personal transformation resulting in increased self-confidence, despite initial social setbacks and mistakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passages provided seem to be from a literary work, focusing on personal transformation and social experiences of the protagonist. At first, Bernice's attempt to reinvent herself with a new hairstyle is met with a cold reception, reflecting her lack of self-assurance and concern for social validation.
However, after initially misunderstanding the social cues of Draycott Deyo, she begins to gain self-confidence as she realizes people are enjoying her company. This newfound self-esteem helps her navigate social interactions, despite making a faux pas with Deyo due to her lack of knowledge about him.