“Barbie Doll ” by Marge Piercy- psychoanalytical theory
Style: MLA
English 102
Literary Analysis Research Paper
Assignment
This paper will serve as the final examination grade for this course. Due date: Friday, May 5th No papers will be accepted after the scheduled Final Examination date/time for this course.
Instructions
Use one of the texts we’ve read this semester and for which we’ve written essays (“The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson or “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy) to write a literary analysis research paper in which you apply one of the critical theories discussed (and explained below). Your paper should explain how the assumptions and strategies of the particular critical theory you select are demonstrated through the text.
Steps
Select a text and essay
Select a theory
Conduct research to find:
literary experts that address the text you’ve chosen
scholarly experts that address the literary theory you are employing
Consider other texts (short stories, novel excerpts, poems, etc …) that are similar to the text you are analyzing or may be compared to add to your discussion (optional)
Using the essay you’ve already written, seek to implement a discussion of literary theory to expand the essay, turning it into a literary analysis research paper
Guidelines:
Paper must be 4 – 5 pages in length
Do not include a cover page
12 pts. Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1” margins on all sides
Contain a header on the first page (upper left margin); subsequent pages your last name and page # (upper right margin)
Contain a works cited page in MLA format (suggested three sources)
“Barbie Doll”
This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.
She was healthy, tested intelligent,
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.
She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.
In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker’s cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn’t she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
by Marge Piercy
