* Bernice wants desperately to be popular and accepted by the "Marjorie" crowd. She feels insecure and inferior, yearning for their approval and the attention she believes comes with it. This drive leads her to change her appearance and personality, even resorting to manipulative tactics.
* However, this desire clashes with Bernice's inherent personality. She is initially kind, genuine, and somewhat shy. Her transformation into a more "flamboyant" and manipulative person creates internal conflict as she grapples with the true nature of her actions.
This conflict is further heightened by the external conflict between Bernice and her cousin, Marjorie. Marjorie, a symbol of the very popularity Bernice craves, embodies the standards of beauty and social behavior Bernice tries to emulate. Their rivalry and competition for attention add another layer of tension to the story.
Ultimately, the story explores how the pursuit of superficial popularity can lead to self-destruction and the loss of genuine connection. While Bernice initially achieves some success through her manipulation, she ultimately realizes the emptiness of her actions and the damage she has done to herself and others.