Neck (short story)

"Neck" is a short story by American author Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., originally published in Collier's magazine in 1950 and later collected in Welcome to the Monkey House (1968). The story satirizes the superficiality and social climbing prevalent within the upper echelons of American society, particularly the elite families of Long Island.

The narrative centers around Dorothy Lovejoy, a young woman from a modest background who marries into the wealthy and influential Lovejoy family. Dorothy quickly learns that acceptance within this social circle is predicated on strict adherence to tradition, appearance, and social status. She is constantly judged and criticized by her mother-in-law, the imperious Mrs. Lovejoy, who embodies the rigid social norms of the old-money elite.

Dorothy’s primary source of insecurity becomes her neck, which Mrs. Lovejoy deems too short and unattractive. This physical "flaw" symbolizes Dorothy's perceived inadequacy and her inability to fully assimilate into the Lovejoy family's world. The story explores the themes of social anxiety, the pressures of conformity, and the often-absurd rituals of the wealthy.

The plot revolves around Dorothy's desperate attempts to lengthen her neck through various means, including exercises and even considering surgery. Her obsession highlights the lengths to which people will go to meet societal expectations, even when those expectations are arbitrary and damaging.

Ultimately, "Neck" is a darkly humorous commentary on the hollowness and absurdity of striving for acceptance in a society that values appearances over substance. Vonnegut's characteristic wit and satirical style expose the hypocrisy and emptiness that lie beneath the polished surface of high society.