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Barbie Doll Essay

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Madge Piercy's poem "Barbie Doll" is a powerful commentary on the implications of societal expectations on women. The poem explores the ways in which society's beauty standards and gender roles can have devastating consequences for women, particularly those who do not fit into these narrow definitions. Through the use of imagery and symbolism, Piercy highlights the damaging effects of these expectations on women's self-esteem and overall well-being.

One literary element that Piercy uses to great effect in "Barbie Doll" is imagery. The poem opens with a description of a young girl who is "presented dolls that did pee-pee / and miniature GE stoves and irons / and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy." This imagery emphasizes the gendered

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