1. Symbolism:
* The Bobbed Hair: This is the most prominent symbol, representing Bernice's desire for social acceptance and her willingness to conform to the latest fashion trends. It also symbolizes her transformation from a naive, unfashionable girl into a sophisticated and confident young woman.
* The "Marjorie" Persona: Bernice adopts this persona to embody the qualities she desires, highlighting her longing for popularity and the artificiality of social expectations.
* The "Crowd" and "The Club": These represent the restrictive and superficial social circles of the 1920s, where appearances and conformity were paramount.
2. Irony:
* Situational Irony: The story revolves around Bernice's efforts to become "popular" through adopting a new hairstyle and shedding her "unfashionable" identity, yet she ultimately achieves this by rejecting the very social norms she initially sought to emulate.
* Dramatic Irony: The reader is aware of Bernice's true intentions and motivations, while the characters within the story are often misled by her act.
3. Characterization:
* Indirect Characterization: The story relies heavily on dialogue and actions to reveal the characters' personalities. Bernice's transformation is portrayed through her changing demeanor, her conversations with Marjorie, and her interactions with others.
* Dynamic Character: Bernice undergoes significant change throughout the story, evolving from an insecure and awkward girl to a confident and popular young woman, although this change is ultimately built on deception and self-denial.
4. Foreshadowing:
* Bernice's Initial Hesitation: Her initial reluctance to bob her hair hints at the internal conflict she faces and the potential consequences of conforming to societal pressures.
* The "Marjorie" persona: This foreshadows Bernice's eventual self-deception and the eventual impact of her actions on her genuine identity.
5. Theme:
* Social Conformity: The story explores the pressures of social conformity and the desire to fit in, emphasizing the superficiality and artificiality of social expectations.
* Identity and Transformation: Bernice's journey of self-discovery and her transformation reveal the complexities of personal identity and the search for acceptance.
* Gender Roles: The story touches upon societal expectations and gender roles of the 1920s, with Bernice's attempts to conform to the ideal feminine image of the time.
6. Tone:
* Satirical: The story adopts a humorous and satirical tone, mocking the superficiality of the social circles depicted.
* Ironical: The story is infused with irony, creating a sense of detachment and questioning the values of the characters and society they inhabit.
By effectively employing these literary devices, F. Scott Fitzgerald delivers a thought-provoking and entertaining story that reflects the social anxieties and aspirations of the Roaring Twenties.