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Please read the poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy, which discusses the societal pressures and standards placed on women from a young age. The poem portrays a girl who, despite having a healthy and intelligent body, feels compelled to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. After receiving cruel comments about her appearance, she undergoes extreme measures to fit in, ultimately leading to her downfall.

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The poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy serves as a poignant critique of the societal expectations imposed on women regarding their physical appearance. It begins with the narrator describing a girlchild who is born into a world that immediately assigns her specific gendered roles and expectations. These expectations are reinforced through the gifts she is presented with, which include dolls and household items, symbolizing the traditional roles women are expected to adopt. The imagery of "dolls that did pee-pee and miniature GE stoves and irons and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy" illustrates a world that values appearance and domesticity over individuality and intellect.

As the poem progresses, the narrative shifts to the harsh reality of puberty and the judgment the girl faces from her peers. The classmate's comment about her "great big nose and fat legs" serves as a catalyst for the girl's self-doubt and body image issues. Despite her numerous positive attributes—intelligence, physical strength, and sexual drive—the girl internalizes the negative perception of her body. This reflects a broader societal issue where women are often reduced to their physical appearance, leading to a profound sense of inadequacy.

The line "She went to and fro apologizing" emphasizes how the girl feels compelled to apologize for her appearance, highlighting the impact of external judgments on her self-worth. This internal conflict is a common theme in many women's experiences, illustrating the damaging effects of societal standards of beauty. The phrase "fat nose on thick legs" underscores the way in which women’s bodies are often critiqued and objectified, reducing them to mere physical attributes devoid of their inherent value.

As the poem develops, it becomes clear that these pressures lead the girl to desperate measures. The phrase "So she cut off her nose and her legs and offered them up" is particularly striking, as it symbolizes the extreme lengths to which women and girls may go to achieve societal acceptance. This metaphor for self-mutilation suggests not only a physical transformation but also a psychological rupture, illustrating how conforming to beauty norms can lead to self-harm and a loss of identity.

In a tragic twist, the girl ultimately succumbs to these pressures and dies. The imagery of her lying in a casket with "the undertaker's cosmetics painted on" evokes a haunting reflection on beauty and death, suggesting that the pursuit of societal ideals can lead to a literal and metaphorical demise. The ironic statement "Doesn't she look pretty?" poses a question of who defines beauty and at what cost it comes. In this way, Piercy calls into question the notion of a "happy ending," as suggested by "to every woman a happy ending," revealing the stark reality that societal expectations often lead to an unhappy conclusion.

The poem "Barbie Doll" ultimately critiques the glorification of traditional femininity and beauty standards and exposes the damaging effects they can have on women. It serves as a reminder of the need for a critical examination of societal norms and a call to embrace diversity in body types and identities. Women's value should not be measured against narrow definitions of beauty, but rather celebrated for their intelligence, strength, and individuality.

In conclusion, Marge Piercy's "Barbie Doll" effectively captures the struggles faced by women in a society fixated on appearance. The poem acts as a powerful commentary on the impact of societal norms on self-esteem and identity, encouraging readers to challenge these standards and advocate for a broader understanding of beauty that encompasses all women. The multi-faceted nature of femininity must be acknowledged, enabling individuals to define their worth beyond the superficial confines set by society.

References

• Piercy, M. (1971). Barbie Doll. In The Moon is Always Female. Alfred A. Knopf.
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