Barbie Doll

This poem was equal parts funny and disturbing. Taking it in the literal sense, as in she is actually talking about a real Barbie, it's hilarious to picture a mutilated Barbie acting out the motions in the poem. Taken in a more metaphorical sense, the poem becomes scary as we think about the things women force themselves to do so they can look "good".

This poem could so easily be interpreted from a feminist theory point of view. It definitely tries to show the gender roles expected of women. It talks about their GE stoves, showing how woman are taught to be home-makers as little girls. IT goes on to show that the woman in the poem is willing to manipulate her body to try and fit into what is considered socially acceptable. 

I think Pearcey was really trying to show how ridiculous the whole institution of "beauty" is. Barbie dolls are considered to be so beautiful by little girls. They show how a woman is "supposed" to look, and what little girls should emulate to be. Pearcey does a good job pointing out the ridiculousness of it all.