Question

In at least 150 words, explain how the concept of femininity is conveyed in “Bernice Bobs her Hair”

Answer 1

Answer: In F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "Bernice Bobs her Hair," the concept of femininity is conveyed through the character of Bernice. At the beginning of the story, Bernice is portrayed as a shy and awkward girl who does not fit in with her peers. She is not considered conventionally attractive and struggles to make friends. However, when her cousin Marjorie takes her under her wing and gives her a makeover, Bernice transforms into a confident and popular young woman.

The story suggests that femininity is closely tied to physical appearance and social status. Marjorie tells Bernice that she needs to change her hairstyle in order to be more attractive to men and gain popularity. Bernice's decision to follow Marjorie's advice and cut her hair symbolizes her willingness to conform to societal expectations of femininity.

Additionally, the story suggests that femininity is associated with manipulation and deceit. Marjorie encourages Bernice to use her newfound popularity to manipulate men and get what she wants. This reinforces the idea that women are expected to use their looks and charm to get ahead in life.

Overall, "Bernice Bobs her Hair" portrays femininity as a complex and often oppressive construct that is heavily influenced by societal expectations.

Answer 2

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Step-by-step explanation:

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald that conveys the concept of femininity through the character of Bernice. In the story, Bernice is portrayed as a young woman who is not fully confident in her femininity and is struggling to fit in with the expectations of her social circle.
One of the ways femininity is conveyed in the story is through the emphasis on Bernice's physical appearance. Bernice is described as having "plenty of feminine softness and color," but also as being somewhat plain and unremarkable. The other characters in the story, particularly Marjorie, emphasize the importance of Bernice's appearance and encourage her to make changes in order to conform to their expectations of femininity.

Another way femininity is conveyed in the story is through the emphasis on social behavior and relationships. Bernice is initially awkward and out of place in the social scene, but she gradually learns how to navigate it and gain acceptance. This process involves learning how to manipulate others and use her feminine wiles to get what she wants, which can be seen as a reflection of societal expectations of women at the time.

Overall, "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" portrays femininity as a complex and often fraught concept that involves both physical appearance and social behavior. The story suggests that women are expected to conform to certain norms and expectations in order to be considered feminine, but also shows the potential costs of doing so, including the loss of individuality and the need to manipulate others.