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WE’VE MISSED YOU, DOROTHY!” MISS LARSEN SAYS WHEN I return…

“WE’VE MISSED YOU, DOROTHY!” MISS LARSEN SAYS WHEN I return to school. “And my—a brand-new hairstyle!” I touch the top of my head where my hair is sticking up. Miss Larsen knows why my hair is short—it’s in the note I had to give her when I got out of the truck—but she doesn’t give away a thing…” quote by Christina Baker Kline
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““WE’VE MISSED YOU, DOROTHY!” MISS LARSEN SAYS WHEN I return to school. “And my—a brand-new hairstyle!” I touch the top of my head where my hair is sticking up. Miss Larsen knows why my hair is short—it’s in the note I had to give her when I got out of the truck—but she doesn’t give away a thing. “Actually,” she says, “you look like a flapper. Do you know what that is?” I shake my head. “Flappers are big-city girls who cut their hair short and go dancing and do as they please.” She gives me a friendly smile. “Who knows, Dorothy? Maybe that’s what you’ll become.””

Christina Baker Kline

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A teacher encourages a student to embrace a new identity, likening her to a liberated, modern woman

In simple terms: Embrace change and confidence

Key Takeaway

Own your new self

Themes

identity empowerment growth

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • school transition
  • personal style change
  • self‑discovery
  • peer influence

Key Concepts

Gender roles social expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “flapper” symbolize for you?
  • How can you turn criticism into confidence?
A Different Perspective

Pressure to conform can cause anxiety

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