Hendricks and Pekkanen employ the motif of hair color to represent the dichotomy between autonomy and control in Vanessa and Richard’s relationship. Initially, the focus on Vanessa’s golden hair seems intended to contrast the dark hair of Richard’s ex. However, the novel gradually reveals hair to be a specific preoccupation of Richard’s. 

Richard’s “first rule, masked as a compliment” was that Vanessa could not cut or dye her hair (308). When she changed it to a brunette bob, “he paused for a moment, then told [her] it was a nice change for the winter” (308). The implication was that Vanessa must change it back by summer. In dying her hair, Vanessa asserts her independence. Richard sees the act this way as well, so he believes he must punish her to bring her back within his control.

Vanessa keeps her hair brown for a while after her marriage is over, despite the blond roots peeking through. By doing so, she rejects Richard’s authority and marks the end of their relationship. Emma’s blond hair makes her the carbon copy of Vanessa, but 10 years younger. Vanessa dyes her hair back to blond to show this to

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now