The poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy tells the story of a young girl's struggle with societal expectations and the ultimate demise of her own identity. The title itself, "Barbie Doll," suggests the idea of a perfect, plastic, and artificial standard of beauty that the protagonist is expected to live up to.
The poem begins with the girl being born and immediately being subjected to criticism and evaluation based on her looks. She is described as having "gray eyes, a good nose, and fat legs." These characteristics are not traditionally seen as attractive and, as a result, the girl is made to feel self-conscious and inadequate.
As she grows older, the pressure to conform to societal standards only intensifies. She is encouraged to play with dolls and toys that reinforce traditional gender roles and to adhere to a strict beauty regimen. The girl is told to "diet, exercise, and avoid sweets," all in the pursuit of achieving the unattainable "Barbie Doll" ideal.
Despite her efforts, the girl is never able to fully live up to the expectations placed upon her. She is constantly reminded of her flaws and is made to feel inferior and unworthy. This constant criticism takes a toll on the girl's self-esteem and ultimately leads to her tragic end.
The final stanza of the poem describes the girl's funeral, where she is laid to rest with "a full-sized Barbie Doll" at her feet. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the ridiculous and damaging standards of beauty that have consumed the girl's life and ultimately led to her demise.
In "Barbie Doll," Piercy uses vivid imagery and relatable experiences to convey the damaging effects of societal expectations on the individual. The poem serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to resist the pressure to conform to unrealistic and harmful standards of beauty and to embrace their own unique identities.
