Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Barbie Doll" is a poem by Marge Piercy, first published in 1971. It is a critique of societal standards of beauty and gender roles, using the metaphor of a Barbie doll.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the introduction of a "girlchild" who is "born as usual / and presented dolls that did pee-pee / and miniature GE stoves and irons / and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy." The girlchild is then described as having a big nose and fat legs. The girl tries to fit into societal norms of beauty by attempting to lose weight, smiling all the time, and using makeup. However, she is still mocked for her flaws and called "fat" and "ugly."

As the poem progresses, the girlchild becomes increasingly obsessed with her appearance, eventually undergoing cosmetic surgery to "cut off her nose and her legs / and finally give her the doll-eyes." The girlchild becomes a "beautiful" corpse, with her family and society finally accepting her.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with irregular line lengths and stanzas
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid, often grotesque imagery to convey the pressure on women to conform to societal beauty standards. For example, the "geometric neatness" of the girlchild's genitals and the "doll-eyes" she eventually acquires.
• Tone: The tone is critical and sarcastic, highlighting the absurdity and cruelty of societal expectations placed on women.

Conclusion:

"Barbie Doll" is a powerful critique of societal beauty standards and gender roles, highlighting the harm they can cause to individual women. Piercy's use of vivid imagery and a critical tone make the poem a memorable and impactful read.

Poem Snippet:

"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."