Bernice Bobs Her Hair Competition

Girls can be competitive. When it comes to guys, girls can be particularly competitive – this is one of the central themes of basically any teen comedy of the past…well, eternity. In "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," social competition becomes a matter of life and death. The two main characters unintentionally become fierce competitors in the brutal game of popularity, and when it becomes apparent that an eligible bachelor is the prize, they pull out all stops. What results is a chain of events that is by turns horrible and hilarious; all we can say is, may the best girl win!

Questions About Competition

1. Does Bernice engage in competition with Marjorie at all?
2. Before she enters Marjorie's world, do you think Bernice has any idea of social competition?
3. Would it be possible for Marjorie and the new Bernice (pre-bob) to exist without competition?
4. Is competition an essential part of social life?

Chew on This

In the world that Fitzgerald constructs, competition is a fundamental element in all female relationships.

Marjorie's competitive nature prevents her from maintaining any significant relationships, even with her so-called "friends."