Introduction
Big Blonde Summary And Themes By Dorothy Parker Dorothy Parker, a prominent American poet, short story writer, and critic, is known for her sharp wit, biting humor, and keen insights into human nature. She was a member of the famed Algonquin Round Table, a group of intellectuals and writers in New York City who gained notoriety for their sharp humor and literary talents in the 1920s.
Parker’s work often delves into the complexities of relationships, social expectations, and the inner workings of the human psyche, exploring themes like love, loneliness, and despair with a distinctive, sometimes sardonic voice.
One of her most well-known short stories is Big Blonde, a work that presents a sharp critique of social norms and the emotional turmoil of a woman caught in the throes of self-doubt and societal pressures. Published in 1929, Big Blonde is an exploration of female identity, the objectification of women, and the overwhelming pressures placed on women to conform to beauty standards, particularly in the early 20th century.
Summary of Big Blonde by Dorothy Parker
Big Blonde centers on the life of Hazel Morse, a woman whose appearance and social life have shaped her sense of self. Hazel is a beautiful, voluptuous woman known for her physical appearance, a characteristic that both defines and confines her. The story unfolds through Hazel’s reflections on her life and the choices that have led her to the present moment, showcasing the disillusionment and emotional pain she experiences as a result of her physical beauty.
Hazel is described as a “big blonde” with striking features, which have been the key to her success and social acceptance. Throughout her life, her beauty has been a form of currency, granting her access to a privileged social world where she is admired and pursued by men. However, beneath her outward appearance lies a sense of emptiness and loneliness, as her physical attributes have often overshadowed her inner self.
At the beginning of the story, Hazel is introduced as a woman who has been drinking to dull the pain of her life. She reflects on her past, specifically her marriage to a man named Charley. Charley, like many others, was attracted to Hazel because of her looks, and their relationship was superficial, built more on appearance than genuine emotional connection. Hazel’s marriage is filled with a sense of dissatisfaction, as she realizes that her husband does not truly see her beyond her physical beauty.
Despite the outward appearances of a successful life, Hazel’s internal world is marked by a profound sense of desolation. As she becomes older, Hazel’s beauty begins to fade, and she feels the sting of her physical decline. Her sense of self-worth, which was once tied to her appearance, begins to erode, and she becomes more and more dependent on alcohol to numb the emotional pain she feels. Hazel’s life is a tragic commentary on how society values women for their looks, reducing them to objects of desire while ignoring their emotional and intellectual needs.
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The story takes a darker turn when Hazel meets a man named “The Colonel,” with whom she begins a relationship. However, this relationship offers her no respite from the loneliness and self-doubt that plague her. As their relationship progresses, it becomes clear that The Colonel sees Hazel only as a source of entertainment or distraction, further reinforcing her feelings of being valued only for her appearance. Despite the emotional disconnect, Hazel continues to seek out men, trying to fill the emptiness she feels inside.
Throughout Big Blonde, Parker conveys Hazel’s emotional numbness and inner turmoil with a sharp, often ironic tone. Hazel’s struggle to define herself beyond her beauty and her inability to find real emotional fulfillment resonate with many readers, particularly women who have felt the weight of societal expectations. The story ends with Hazel in a state of despair, continuing to drink as a way to escape from her dissatisfaction and emotional pain. The final moments of the story leave readers with a sense of deep sadness, as Hazel seems trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and longing that she cannot escape.
Themes in Big Blonde by Dorothy Parker
1. The Objectification of Women
A central theme in Big Blonde is the objectification of women. Throughout the story, Hazel is depicted as a woman whose worth is primarily tied to her appearance. Her beauty is her most defining feature, and it is how the world perceives her. While her physical attributes grant her social privileges, they also serve to isolate her emotionally, as no one seems to value her for anything beyond her looks. This theme highlights the damaging effects of a society that reduces women to their physical appearance, rendering them invisible as individuals with complex inner lives. The story critiques the superficial nature of such a society, revealing how it causes women to lose a sense of self-worth and identity.
2. The Dehumanizing Effects of Beauty
Parker critiques the dehumanizing effects of beauty, showing how Hazel’s reliance on her physical appearance for validation has left her emotionally impoverished. Beauty, in Hazel’s case, is a double-edged sword: while it brings her attention and affection from men, it also makes her feel like an object rather than a person with depth. As she ages and her beauty begins to fade, she experiences a loss of self-esteem, as her sense of worth has always been rooted in her appearance. The story exposes the emotional and psychological toll that beauty can take on women, especially in a world where looks are often prioritized over character or intellect.
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3. The Loneliness and Isolation of Women
Loneliness is another key theme in Big Blonde. Despite her outward beauty and the attention she receives from men, Hazel is deeply lonely. Her relationships are superficial, and she is unable to form meaningful emotional connections with the people around her. She feels disconnected from others, unable to communicate her true self, and her isolation is compounded by her dependence on alcohol to cope with her emotions. The story paints a bleak picture of the emotional isolation that many women experience, particularly those who feel their worth is contingent on their appearance.
4. The Illusion of Happiness and Success
Big Blonde also addresses the illusion of happiness and success. Hazel’s life may appear to be glamorous to the outside world, but the story reveals the emptiness beneath the surface. She is trapped in a cycle of seeking external validation through men and alcohol, but she is never able to find true contentment. This theme critiques the social expectations placed on women to maintain a certain image of happiness, often at the cost of their mental and emotional well-being. Parker’s story suggests that the pursuit of external validation, whether through physical beauty or social approval, is ultimately unsatisfying and hollow.
5. The Destructive Nature of Self-Doubt
Self-doubt is another prominent theme in Big Blonde. Hazel’s lack of self-esteem is evident throughout the story, and her emotional struggles stem from her inability to see herself as anything beyond her appearance. She constantly questions her worth, and this internal dialogue of self-criticism plays a significant role in her emotional decay. The story illustrates how destructive self-doubt can be, particularly for women who are taught to measure their value by societal standards of beauty and desirability.
FAQ
Q1: What does the title Big Blonde signify?
The title Big Blonde refers to the physical appearance of the protagonist, Hazel. Her blonde hair and voluptuous figure are central to her identity, as they are the traits that society values most in her. The title highlights the superficial nature of the world in which Hazel lives, where her appearance defines her worth. It also alludes to the way in which women are often reduced to their physical attributes rather than being seen as multifaceted individuals.
Q2: What is the significance of Hazel’s relationship with The Colonel?
Hazel’s relationship with The Colonel serves as a further illustration of her emotional isolation and the objectification she experiences. While she seeks companionship, The Colonel’s indifference and lack of emotional engagement reflect the emotional void that Hazel feels in all of her relationships. The relationship with The Colonel is symptomatic of Hazel’s broader inability to form meaningful emotional connections, highlighting the emptiness that lies at the heart of her life.
Q3: How does Parker use irony in Big Blonde?
Parker employs irony throughout Big Blonde, particularly in her portrayal of Hazel’s situation. The contrast between Hazel’s outward beauty and her internal suffering is an ironic commentary on the way society values women based on appearance while neglecting their emotional and psychological needs. Additionally, Hazel’s attempts to find happiness through relationships and alcohol are steeped in irony, as they ultimately lead to further dissatisfaction and despair.
Q4: How does Big Blonde critique societal beauty standards?
Big Blonde critiques societal beauty standards by illustrating how they can be both empowering and limiting for women. While Hazel’s beauty grants her access to attention and social privileges, it also traps her in a cycle of objectification and self-doubt. The story exposes the dangers of reducing women to their physical appearance and the emotional toll that such societal expectations can have on their sense of self.
Q5: What is the emotional tone of Big Blonde?
The emotional tone of Big Blonde is melancholic, ironic, and at times deeply tragic. While the story is infused with sharp wit, the overall mood is one of sadness and disillusionment. Hazel’s internal struggles, her loneliness, and her inability to find true happiness create a somber atmosphere, leaving readers with a sense of unease and reflection on the emotional costs of living in a world that values women for their beauty above all else.
