Marge Piercy
Of all the works in the Gender Unit, "Barbie Doll" presented the clearest and most relatable aspect surrounding gender expectations within American society. At the beginning of the poem, the reader is presented with "dolls that did pee-pee and miniature GE stoves and irons and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy," (835). All of these objects are easily pictured by the average reader and can even be related back to some childhood memories. Being able to relate to the girl within the poem, the reader can empathize with the struggle that she faces and understand her motivation behind her actions.
Even though the young girl in the poem was blessed with several talents and abilities, beauty was one that she could not find in herself and that ultimately led to her downfall. The irony of this poem lies in the last three lines. The poem's subject finally achieved her goal of being beautiful in the eyes of others; however, she is dead and unable to realize this accomplishment. Also, the final line, "To every woman a happy ending" possesses the most irony of these final lines (836). Many little girls are presented with fairy tales that have Prince Charming's, happily ever after's, and most importantly, beautiful princesses. However, with the pressures of modern society, most girls cannot achieve this fabled ending. If they cannot change their circumstances by their own doing, then they are instead condemned to a life miserably ever after.
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