Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald — Review

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Bernice Bobs Her Hair (1920) is a sharp, witty exploration of social competition and the performative nature of femininity in 1920s America. The story follows Bernice, a socially awkward young woman, as her glamorous cousin Marjorie teaches her the art of popularity. It changes when Bernice’s newfound charm threatens Marjorie’s own status. 

The haircut, a symbol of both liberation and humiliation is the story’s central tension. A precursor to Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, this early work already showcases his keen eye for the contradictions of the American Dream, where self-reinvention can lead to both triumph and ruin.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://vk.com/doc2004519_685298557?hash=csTlxyTSKJ9ZB86vqcxCmVn4O2bWQzyZ8ZehHJR7OEk&dl=EWvs07mVnOF73gLuwRV4UkKKbqWSSNCLsVKdYaLpZwc&api=1&no_preview=1&module=feed

An Unpleasantness by Anton Chekhov— Review

This story An Unpleasantness by Anton Chekhov is about a doctor named Grigory Ovchinnikov who loses his temper and slaps his drunk paramedic, Mikhail Zakharovich, during hospital rounds. The doctor is a nervous, principled man who cares deeply about his work, but the paramedic’s incompetence and drunkenness push him to his limit.

After the incident, the doctor struggles with guilt and tries to find a fair solution—whether to resign, apologize, or face legal consequences. However, the situation is resolved in an unsatisfying way when the local authorities force a hollow reconciliation.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://www.prosperosisle.org/spip.php?article121

"The Hostelry of Mr. Smith" from “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” by Stephen Leacock

This story introduces us to Mariposa, a small Canadian town full of colorful characters and quirky charm. At the center is Mr. Smith, the owner of the local hotel, who faces trouble when his liquor license is threatened. 

Instead of giving up, he cleverly builds a fancy café to win over the town—complete with a French chef and absurdly cheap prices. Through humor and wit, the story pokes fun at small-town politics, pride, and the way people can be swayed by good food and grand gestures.

In the end, the story celebrates Mariposa’s quirks while gently mocking human nature—how easily people change their minds when it suits them.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/stephen-leacock/book/sunshine-sketches-of-a-little-town/one-the-hostelry-of-mr-smith