Big Blonde

Being truly happy has a lot to do with a person’s view of self worth. Those with a high view of self worth do not let outside people or influences alter their behavior or their opinions of themselves. Those with a low view of self worth find themselves often in precarious situations because they let themselves be influenced into becoming what others want them to be. In the story “Big Blonde” by Dorothy Parker, conformity and melancholy are the driving forces that influence Hazel’s behavior and ultimately lead to the collapse of her character.
Conformity is the biggest factor leading to the breakdown of character at the story’s conclusion. At the dress establishment where she works, men gravitate toward Hazel and often ask her to go out with them. Many a night is spent with the men that she meets, and from these nights come the beginnings of her conformist behavior. “Popularity seemed to her to be worth all the work that had to be put into its achievement.” She repe...