Rosalind Wiseman

During my last trip to the Westminster School in Atlanta, I promised the faculty that I would find examples in literature to use as a springboard for discussion topics on relational aggression, bullying and social justice. So I’d like to present my first submission in the form of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story “Bernice Bobs Her Hair”.

In sum, the plot involves Bernice, an eighteen-year-old girl who visits her charismatic and relationally aggressive cousin, Marjorie. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a student or friend like Marjorie but I have, and they’re impossible to forget. The combination of beauty and social intelligence allows the girl a base line of social status but that’s only the beginning. Her true power is her apparent disinterest in the individual opinions of her peers and her disrespect of other girls who come across as weak and can’t manipulate the people around her (i.e. boys).

In the story, after Marjorie has suffered through Bernice’s visit for two weeks, Bernice overhears Marjorie complaining to her mother about how tedious Bernice is. The next morning Bernice confronts her, expecting Marjorie to apologize. Marjorie refuses—she openly admits her feelings, expands on Bernice’s on social failings, and welcomes her to leave.

Marjorie depicts the girl who says, “No offense…” and then lists your every failing or says, “At least I’m being honest and insulting you to your face.” She justifies her behavior with the position that being truthful with ones feelings is more important than how you say it or what are real motivations behind the revelations.

So if you have your students read this short story, here are some discussion questions I would pose to them:

• Is Marjorie being mean when she admits her true feelings to Bernice?
• Why does Bernice assume that Marjorie will deny what she feels?
• Why does Bernice choose to confront Marjorie in the way she does?
• What rules of “Girl World” does Marjorie follow? Which ones does she reject? Why?
• What rules of “Girl World” does Bernice follow? Which ones does she reject? Why?

At this point, a teen reader may think that this will be one of those typical popular girl reinvents an unpopular girl with a social makeover. But because this is one of the masters of English literature it is far more nuanced and sophisticated. When Bernice allows Marjorie to show her how to increase her popularity, it is a “revelation”.

• Why does Marjorie tell Bernice to pay attention to the “sad birds?”
• Why does Marjorie turn on Bernice?
• Do you agree with Bernice’s final act as she leaves the house? Was she exhibiting self-confidence and personal strength? Why? Why not?

If anyone has suggestions for further readings, please submit them!