Down The Rabbit Hole

Content Warning: This section discusses women’s objectification, sex work, sexual intercourse, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

Early in the narrative, Holly clearly depicts herself as someone who is intentionally seeking close proximity with Hefner. Like other ambitious people, Holly perceives Hefner as someone whose acceptance has the ability to impart fame, public adulation, and wealth. What she had no way of knowing was that, once Holly—or any person like her—grew close enough to attract Hefner’s attention, she would fall into his orbit. Just as the moon cannot escape the gravity of the earth, Holly discovers that, try as she might, she cannot escape the gravity of Hefner and Playboy. Even when she strikes out on her own, and achieves financial and career success completely apart from Hefner, she remains irrevocably tied to him. Her proximity has come with a permanence that she did not anticipate.

As Holly describes it, this fate befalls a very specific type of woman: beautiful, usually blonde, well-built, and always under the age of 30. To gain access to the benefits they believe come along with being close to Hefner, this woman is willing to sacrifice other romantic relationships, outside career opportunities, and the freedom to determine her personal appearance.