Dismantling the Flapper: The Representation of Aesthetic Pressure in Zelda Fitzgerald’s ‘Girls’ Series’

The present article explores Zelda Fitzgerald’s critique of aesthetic pressure and its consequences in her ‘Girls’ Series’ (1929-1931). I argue that her short fiction reflects the commodification of the female body as a result of an unattainable 1920s beauty standard based on idealized youth and thinness, largely perpetuated by middlebrow magazines like College Humor. More specifically, I analyze how the heroine of her story “The Original Follies Girl” illustrates these pressures, showcasing how adherence to beauty ideals leads to self-alienation and an identity crisis, and how her case relates to other pieces from the same series like "The Girl with Talent," "A Millionaire’s Girl," and "Poor Working Girl". Considering Simone de Beauvoir’s and Judith Butler’s theories on gender construction, my analysis focuses on how Fitzgerald’s heroines internalize gender constructs, sacrificing self-expression and authenticity to meet societal expectations. Ultimately, the discussion of these stories highlights Fitzgerald’s nuanced portrayal of the flapper figure and critiques the temporary nature of societal admiration tied to physical appearance, which neglects the inevitability of aging. Through her heroines, Fitzgerald conveys the paradox of 1920s femininity, questioning its longevity and broader implications on women’s personal and professional growth.