what comment do you think fitzgerald is amking about youth culture?
in bernice bobs her hair
I think he's saying that youth culture is fickle and superficial.
What do you think?
In "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of youth culture and the changing social dynamics of the 1920s. Through the character of Bernice, Fitzgerald appears to comment on various aspects of youth culture during that time.
To understand Fitzgerald's perspective, it is important to analyze the story itself. Start by reading or rereading "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" to gain a comprehensive understanding of the narrative. Pay attention to specific scenes, dialogues, and actions of the characters, particularly Bernice and her cousin Marjorie.
Consider the following points while analyzing Fitzgerald's comment on youth culture:
1. Transformation: Bernice, a timid and inexperienced girl, undergoes a transformation by cutting her hair according to Marjorie's advice. This act symbolizes Bernice's desire to fit into the new and exciting youth culture of the time. Fitzgerald may be commenting on the pressure young people faced to conform and the lengths they would go to gain acceptance.
2. Social hierarchy and popularity: Throughout the story, Fitzgerald explores the themes of popularity and the social hierarchy among young people. Marjorie is portrayed as the popular and confident girl who sets the trends, while Bernice starts as an outsider. Fitzgerald may be highlighting the superficiality of popularity and the dangers of conforming blindly to social expectations.
3. Gender roles: Fitzgerald touches upon the evolving gender roles of the 1920s. Bernice's decision to change her appearance is driven by the perceived need to be attractive to men and gain social acceptance. This reflects the prevailing idea that a woman's worth was heavily tied to her physical appearance and ability to attract male attention. Fitzgerald's comment on this aspect might suggest a critique of societal expectations placed upon women.
4. Personal identity and self-discovery: In the process of conforming to youth culture, Bernice experiences personal growth and self-discovery. Fitzgerald might be conveying the message that one should not compromise their true self or blindly follow societal expectations to find acceptance.
By carefully examining these elements within "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," along with Fitzgerald's other works and the historical context of the 1920s, you can gain a deeper understanding of the comment he is making about youth culture and the societal pressures experienced by young people during that time.