Marge+Piercy*

//**Barbie Doll** *//
- Piercy utilizes the image of a barbie doll as a representation of the stereotypes that women have to conform to and the destructive nature of trying to be "beautiful". - In the first stanza, Piercy incorporates specific examples (including the mention of GE) which the general American population can relate to. - Really emphasizes that what should be "correct" as a healthy and strong women is not accepted by her peers. - A harsh criticism on society when she states that the community has finally accepted her because even though she is dead, she is now equivalent to what people perceive as beautiful. - An overall theme that society only accepts women that fit the criteria of an ideal woman. - Throughout the poem, Piercy utilizes a great deal of descriptive words to trigger imagery and emotion in the audience.

//The Friend *//
- This poem really grabs the reader's attention by stating the two lines "cut off your hands" and "burn your body" and then having the speaker automatically respond with a simple yes. - Illustrates the suppression of women's rights and the way men treated women at that time. - Even though the commands are exaggerated, it demonstrates how women felt like they needed to follow orders in order to feel loved. - Written to free-verse, possibly to emphasize Piercy's message of freedom and will-power, which women at that time seemed to lack.