Big Blonde

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1929

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Literary Devices

Personification

Writers use the technique of personification to give human qualities to nonhuman beings or objects. In “Big Blonde,” Parker (through Hazel) gives alcohol the attributes of a friend, thus personifying it. Throughout the story, Hazel self-soothes with alcohol—specifically, with whiskey. Whiskey is always her go-to drink when she’s feeling down; instead of talking to a friend to vent her sadness and sorrow, she turns to the bottle. In fact, alcohol seems to be her only friend, and when it stops working, she feels abandoned: “She was beginning to feel towards alcohol a little puzzled distrust, as toward an old friend who has refused a simple favor” (21).

When she’s feeling particularly despondent before attempting death by suicide, she crawls into bed with a quart of whiskey, hoping it’ll work its magic—and it does: “During the next few days, whiskey ministered to her as tenderly as it had done when she first turned to its aid” (24). However, the effects don’t last: When she walks out into the street, she finds that the whiskey has “deserted her completely” (24).

At the end of the story, when she’s distraught after waking up from her attempt to die by suicide, she seeks out whiskey again: “Maybe it would help. Maybe, when you had been knocked cold for a few days, your very first drink would give you a lift. Maybe whisky [sic] would be her friend again” (33).

Stereotypes

A generalized belief about a group of people, or a stereotype, is another literary device that Parker uses in “Big Blonde.” Hazel, Mrs. Martin, and their many acquaintances at Jimmy’s bar are stereotypes; they’re all buxom blond women who struggle to preserve their looks and please men. The story uses other stereotypes as well. For example, although Parker features few people of color, those she includes are limited to stereotypically minor, subservient roles—like Nettie, Hazel’s Black maid, who is deferential, conscientious, and hardworking. Nettie’s few exchanges with Hazel are limited to obediently fulfilling her request to run out and buy alcohol.

At the end of the story, after Hazel overdoses on veronal, Nettie is the one who finds her nonresponsive in bed and seeks medical help to revive her. Nettie is also the one who cares for Hazel as she convalesces. However, despite the care she provides, Nettie receives no thanks or reward for her service. Although Hazel doesn’t mistreat her, their interactions never cross the line between employer and servant.

Flat Characters

Often associated with a single characteristic, flat characters can be described in one or two words. “Big Blonde” features numerous flat characters. Hazel develops superficial relationships with many female and male acquaintances throughout the story, but most of them—including most of her suitors—are interchangeable. The women are buxom, blond, and bubbly, concerned about meeting and amusing available (and unavailable) men. The men primarily seek entertainment; they’re willing to provide financial support to women they date outside of marriage, but that’s as far as they go. They don’t want deep emotional entanglements and detest dark moods or torrents of tears.

Static Character

A character who exhibits little change throughout the course of a work is a static character. While static characters are often supporting characters, in “Big Blonde” Hazel herself exemplifies this type of character. From the start of the story until the end, about a dozen years pass. During this time, she experiences no inner growth or increase in maturity. Although she pays attention to outer appearances, such as her blond hair, her wardrobe, and her small feet, she isn’t given to introspection.

Her mercurial moods are an issue throughout the story; men frequently admonish her for them—first her husband and then a string of subsequent lovers tell her to cheer up and be a “good sport.” Rather than trying to determine the source of her mood swings, she feels hostility toward those who criticize her. At the slightest downshift in mood, she turns to alcohol for relief, never looking within to locate the source of her pain and never seeking help to address it.

Repetition

In a literary sense, repetition refers to the intentional repetition of words or phrases. The toast “Here’s mud in your eye!” is an example of repetition. It’s first spoken by Herbie as he and Hazel share a last drink before he leaves her for good. As a farewell toast to a spouse, this seems formal and impersonal; the breakup of a marriage is a major life event. Nonetheless, it fits in with their distant relationship. Hazel merely responds in kind, somewhat distantly.

The toast assumes additional significance when Hazel repeats it at the end of the story, this time to her maid, Nettie. Once again, the toast occurs after a significant and negative life event: Hazel has just survived an attempt to die by suicide. In this setting, the mundane toast seems far more out of place—even distasteful. However, while it’s generally considered an inappropriate thing to say at a serious time, the repetition of this phrase here is in keeping with Hazel’s attitude throughout the story.