Centenarian 'Blondes' Continue to Bring Joy and Excitement
In 1925, Anita Loos penned a groundbreaking novel that captured the hearts and minds of readers across the globe - 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. This witty and satirical tale, set in the retro era of cottagecore, trad wives, and puffed-sleeved prairie dresses, follows the adventures of Lorelei Lee, a beautiful and naive blonde showgirl.
Lorelei, obsessed with money and social climbing, travels to Paris with her smart friend Dorothy, where they dine at swank Manhattan joints like The Colony and Trocadero. Lorelei's primary goal is to marry a rich man named Esmond, but his father harbours suspicions about her intentions and hires a detective to investigate her.
Meanwhile, Dorothy falls in love with the detective, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and complications. Despite these obstacles, both couples ultimately end up happily married.
The novel's themes revolve around the satire of wealth and social ambition, gender roles and expectations, and the contrasting perceptions of intelligence and beauty. Lorelei, who embodies the stereotypical "dumb blonde," uses her looks and charm to gain financial security, challenging norms by demonstrating that both appearances and wit play a role in social mobility.
The novel also delves into female friendship and romantic relationships within the context of consumer culture and gender dynamics. This comedic and satirical tone was later adapted into the classic 1950 musical film, starring Marilyn Monroe, where these themes were further highlighted with sharp humour and musical numbers.
'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' was a runaway bestseller and was translated into multiple languages. Notable fans of the novel included highbrow modernist James Joyce and Edith Wharton, who declared it to be "the great American novel."
In the novel, 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' is written in the form of diary entries by the character Lorelei. The story takes a unique turn when Lorelei plans to flee to Paris to improve her writing and avoid marriage to an author. During a train excursion to Vienna, she even seeks the advice of a psychoanalyst named "Dr. Froyd."
The novel was also adapted into a stage play and a silent film, now lost to time. However, its impact on popular culture remains undeniable, making 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' a classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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