Big Blonde

At the beginning of “Big Blonde,” it’s apparent that Hazel Morse is concerned about her appearance, even if it involves discomfort: “She prided herself upon her small feet and suffered for her vanity, boxing them in snub-toed, high-heeled slippers of the shortest bearable size” (1). Although she’s never described as beautiful, her blond hair and buxom figure appeal to a certain type of man; she knows this, and she knows she needs to maintain her looks in order to preserve her appeal. She works as a dress model, so her profession is tied to her looks too; she’s very aware of this.

Over time, her looks begin to fade: “She spread and softened, and her darkening hair turned her to inexpert dabblings with peroxide” (3). Her darkening hair, her widening waistline, her lined face—all of these are beginning to take their toll. Furthermore, as much as she enjoyed her many nights out with her admirers, the outings have tarnished her youthful appearance. Her fading looks undoubtedly affect her popularity with men. In addition, she worries about her job—and competing with the never-ending line of younger, fresher, blonder women willing to replace her. Therefore, it’s no surprise when she decides to marry as she approaches 30.