The story's title highlights Mrs. Morse's physical appearance, underscoring its significance. Interestingly, the narrator never directly describes her as beautiful. In fact, many of her physical traits, such as her "flabby white arms splattered with pale tan spots," are quite unflattering. Despite this, she does align with a certain beauty standard. In her twenties, she worked as a model. "It was still the day of the big woman, and she was then prettily colored and erect and high-breasted." This suggests that she once embodied an ideal of feminine beauty that has changed with time.

Mrs. Morse's attractiveness makes her more of a type than an individual. People, particularly men, form assumptions about her character based on her appearance, especially her blonde hair. In the opening paragraph, she is described as "a large, fair woman of the type that incites some men when they use the word ‘blonde’ to click their tongues and wag their heads roguishly." Later, we learn that she uses peroxide (in "inexpert dabbings") to lighten her hair. Although men find her appealing and consider her valuable because she is a "blonde," and she depends on this perception emotionally and financially, it does not genuinely reflect her true self.

Mrs. Morse's blonde hair represents a certain notion of femininity and carries sexual connotations. She seems to recognize that her worth and financial security hinge on meeting men's expectations of what a woman should be. Although she seems to have little to occupy her time, her life is consumed by the effort to conform to societal expectations of female roles and feminine sexuality. She tires herself out trying to live up to men's unrealistic views of her as a blonde, a popular girl, and a "good sport."

As a model, she enjoys a degree of independence but still personifies societal ideals of female beauty and acts in ways that make her attractive to men. The term "good sport" suggests sexual undertones, implying her willingness to comply with men's desires, both sexually and otherwise. After marriage, she becomes absorbed in fulfilling a traditional domestic role, though her husband still expects her to socialize, a task she finds increasingly challenging. When he leaves, she becomes both emotionally and financially vulnerable. Ed steps in to assume the masculine role, offering protection in return for her cheerful company and sexual compliance. After Ed, she continues to adopt this role for a series of men, each of whom values her only when she behaves as a woman existing solely for their pleasure and amusement.

A significant aspect of the feminine role that overwhelms Mrs. Morse is her passivity. The repeated term "good sport" implies she frequently sacrifices her own wishes to satisfy others. She resorts to alcohol to dull her emotions, making it simpler to adhere to societal norms. Although she is financially dependent on various men, her affection wanes after Herbie. Despite the men she encounters desiring her, she feels no attraction toward them, even though their interest is vital for her survival. As she ages, her desires become increasingly passive—seeking rest, drunken oblivion, and, ultimately, death. Nevertheless, she endeavors to appear joyful and cheerful to fulfill the expectations of those around her, concealing her deep sorrow. Her suicide attempt is her only active effort to assert her true identity against the expectations placed upon her.

Mrs. Morse's identity is significantly influenced by the expectations of those around her and, more crucially, by societal norms regarding femininity. Her profound sadness underscores her feeling of alienation. The role she is expected to fulfill conflicts with her persistent feelings of exhaustion and despair. She...

The narrative of "Big Blonde" intricately explores the inadequacy of alcohol as a solution for emotional voids and despair. Mrs. Morse, a character ensnared by life’s disappointments, turns to alcohol as her sole refuge, only to discover it offers no lasting solace. Her reliance on drink highlights the hollow promise of alcohol to mend a troubled heart and mind. This dependency is mirrored in the facade she maintains as "a good sport," consistently laughing and mingling to mask her inner turmoil. However, beneath this cheerful veneer lies a profound sadness, often manifesting in fits of tears that gradually erode her allure and the very image she strives to uphold.

Intertwined with Mrs. Morse's battle against alcoholism and her swings between vivacity and gloom is her troubled experience with marriage. For a marriage to thrive, it demands not just affection but a deep level of understanding and maturity. Unfortunately, Mrs. Morse seems to be devoid of these crucial elements, resulting in unions that are either shallow or fleeting. This absence of love exacerbates the void in her interpersonal connections, leaving her unable to derive genuine fulfillment from her interactions and pursuits in life.