Bernice Bobs Her Hair: Genre 1 key example

In "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," F. Scott Fitzgerald presents his reader with a classic coming-of-age narrative. It’s a story about a young person learning what’s important to her, as the narrative tracks the growth of Bernice from a young woman burdened with insecurities to one who can think and act for herself. This genre of story tracks the changes a character undergoes in their journey from youth to adulthood, which—in this case—is condensed into this short section of Bernice’s life. Her bold decision to cut her hair into a fashionable bob—whether or not she ever really intended to—is both a commentary on the effects of peer pressure and a statement about her progress towards adult autonomy. This genre traditionally explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Here, Bernice’s transformation is both literal, with her change in appearance, and figurative, as she defies Marjorie’s tyranny and takes matters into her own hands.