Bernice Bobs Her Hair

She came to visit. She left a legend—along with a lock of hair and a taste for revenge.

Originally published in The Saturday Evening Post on May 1, 1920, this is arguably Fitzgerald’s most iconic early short story—and it didn’t come out of thin air. It was born from a letter Fitzgerald once wrote to his younger sister, giving her advice on how to be more popular with boys. He later fictionalized this advice, added a twist of sibling rivalry, and turned it into one of the most enduring tales of Jazz Age girlhood ever written.

The story exploded in popularity and was quickly scooped up for Flappers and Philosophers. It captured not only the shifting ideals of femininity in post-WWI America, but also Fitzgerald’s lifelong obsession with charm, beauty, and the price of both.

The Story
Bernice, a sweet but socially clumsy girl from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, visits her glamorous cousin Marjorie for the summer. At first, Bernice is a wallflower—awkward, unsure, and almost invisible at dances. But under Marjorie’s tutelage (and manipulation), she undergoes a transformation, adopting a more flirtatious persona and catching the attention of every boy in town—including Marjorie’s own favorite.

When jealousy flares, Marjorie dares Bernice to prove her newfound confidence by bobbing her long hair—a scandalous act in 1920, symbolizing rebellion and modernity. Bernice accepts the challenge, only to find herself ridiculed and rejected afterward.

But she doesn’t go home defeated. She goes home legendary—after one final, savage act that slices through vanity and vengeance alike.

Bernice Bobs Her Hair is a razor-sharp satire of social performance, feminine rivalry, and the double-edged sword of popularity. It’s got glitter and cruelty, rebellion and wit—and it still bobs heads to this day.

Published: May 1, 1920 (The Saturday Evening Post)