barbie doll

barbie doll

“Barbie Doll” paper

Write an analysis of Piercy’s poem, “Barbie Doll.” BE SURE TO USE AT LEAST TWO OUTSIDE SOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR ANALYSIS. Be sure to explain how Piercy uses imagery and irony to depict the stereotypes and expectations of women. Make sure you have in-text citations and a work cited page with the correct information from the textbook. This poem is not in the textbook, so please cite it as if it is on page 472 of your textbook. Remember that line numbers are used for in-text citation rather than page number for poetry and drama.

Barbie Doll
Marge Piercy

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.

“Barbie Doll” Lecture – Week Ten – Online

Okay, so this week is all about Marge Piercy’s poem “Barbie Doll.” Remember, this poem was written in the 1970s, so don’t read it as a plastic surgery poem. In the 1970s, plastic surgery for the masses wasn’t an option.

Look at the imagery in the poem. Piercy discusses the stereotypes that women are supposed to fulfill, including ironing and other domestic chores, cooking, birthing babies, and looking good while doing it all. This young woman is strong, which is not what women are supposed strive to be, and all the things that should allow for a fabulous life. However, she is told in puberty that she has a big nose and fat thighs. This becomes the focus of her existence, as no matter her strengths, she is constantly apologizing for her fat nose and thighs.

Piercy also offer specific imagery of what women are supposed to be in stanza three with the instructions the young girl is given to “play coy, / exhorted to come on hearty, / exercise, diet, smile and wheedle” (13-15). She is supposed to pretend to be something she is not in order to “get” a man and fit into society.

The imagery again come into play upon her death as she is dressed in a pink and white nightie and has a turned up putty nose. The nightie symbolizes the sexual girl she is supposed to be; the nose represents the girl with perfect features. And, ironical, she had to die to get the happy ending and approval from society. Piercy is writing a strong indictment of the societal expectations put on women.

So, your assignment this week is to write a paper illustrating the imagery and irony Piercy uses in the poem. Your paper should be in the 550 – 750 word range, including outside source information, but I’m more concerned with content. Remember, your paper MUST be in MLA format with correct in-text citations and a works cited page.

Have fun!!!!!!!