Dorothy Parker Big Blonde

Boozed and Broken
The 1920’s were historically a time of freedom for women. However, the “Big Blonde,” by Dorothy Parker, shows the deeper feelings of insecurity and diminished self-esteem under Hazel’s cheery façade. Even though, women enjoyed the freedoms that came with the 1920’s, the story illustrates Hazel’s need for a man and a home in her life. And while these may bring a glimmer of happiness, if one does not have true self-value then that glimmer of happiness will diminish. In the story, “Big Blonde,” Dorothy Parker utilizes theme, repetition and imagery to illustrate Hazel’s insecurities, mental distress and lack of self-worth.
Hazel Morse seems to never find happiness in her life. And for that, she takes up drinking. Her husband …show more content…
Throughout the story, the phrase, “Mud in your eye,” is repeated by different characters and it is mainly direct to Hazel. Everyone around is realizing what is happening to her, except Hazel. Right before Herbie leaves, Hazel offers him a drink. And with a smirk, he says as his toast, “Well. Here’s mud in your eye” (Parker 7). As Herbie is getting ready to walk out the door, and there is nothing Hazel can do to stop him; she offers him a drink as a token to remember the good times of their marriage. As her solution to solve problems, she again turns to alcohol. At this point, Hazel is contemplating with the idea of suicide. After returning for New Jersey to obtain sleeping pills, she again turns to alcohol for help. She asks Nettie, the maid, to go to Jimmy’s and get a quart of Scotch (Parker 12). Hazel has the idea of death in her head and it brings her a little bit of happiness. And right before she overdoses on the sleeping pills, she again repeats the phrase, “Well, here’s mud in your eye” (Parker 15). This brings up the question, does she truly believe that her appearance alone will bring her happiness or is she too afraid to look within herself for

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