Irony In Barbie Doll
In the poem “Barbie Doll”, by Marge Piercy, the use of imagery, symbolism, and irony expresses a tragic, cruel society that emphasizes appearance above personality and unrealistic beauty ideals above health and happiness. Throughout the poem a young girl is raised and bullied to believe that her appearance is the most important aspect of her self. Her self worth is torn apart until she dies. The use of imagery, symbolism, and irony works to deliver a heartbreaking message about the flawed society that existed and continues to exist. Throughout the poem, imagery is used to express the beauty ideals that society has. For example, the image of “... a great big nose and fat legs” (6) is prevalent in the story. This image is the opposite of