“To Be,” “To Have” and “To Do” Girls: A Discussion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Bernice Bobs Her Hair”

Abstract

Of the countless current approaches to cope with the human personality, Erich
Fromm’s psychological theory is worth studying. Fromm presents two modes of
existence: “Having” and “Being.” The “Having” mode refers to the individual’s
tendency to relate to his whole world, occupation, activities, practices and relations
with people in such a manner that is immersed with acquisitiveness and control. By
the mode of “Being,” Fromm refers to the individual’s inclination to develop, love,
and proceed toward self-actualization. Based on Fromm’s dual model, Yakov
Rand adds a third mode of existence which he calls “Doing.” People with this
mode obtain satisfaction from the actual process of doing.
Rand’s triadic model is particularly germane to understanding Fitzgerald’s
“Bernice Bobs Her Hair,” a story commonly regarded to belong to the period of
Fitzgerald’s early success. Attempts will be made to discuss Fitzgerald’s
characters, their worlds and beliefs in terms of the conflicts between the three types
of people. In fact, a claim will be made that Fitzgerald’s treatment of the concepts
of “Being,” “Having” and “Doing” provides new insights into the dynamic
potential of the trope as presented by Rand and into critical approach.