Marge Piercy

understanding of what is being said. The three poems that are being discussed use several different types of figurative language, including verbal, and dramatic irony. The poem “Barbie Doll” written by Marge Piercy, provides a look into the damage caused by the expectations of a society craving perfection. Piercy expresses this concern through figurative language by portraying the girl’s feelings to the reader…

In The Cat's Song, Marge Piercy portrays the theme of the strong bond between cats and humans. Piercy concludes that cats and humans share an inherent darkness that connects them in a special way that is unlike any other animal to human companionship. By comparing cats and humans, Piercy answers why humans and cats love each other so much by emphasizing the differences and similarities that binds us together. Marge Pierce discusses cat and human differences through the use of figurative language…

In the short story ‘Clearing Paths through the Past’ and the poem “To be of Use” by Marge Piercy, both of the authors have a common theme. The passages talk about how good it feels to be hardworking and helpful to others around you. Both passages give examples of jobs and labors that people do to help others, and also the impact it's made on their life. In the short story ‘Clearing Paths for the Past’ the author gives us an example of a man doing things and taking responsibility for things he…

Words in Marge Piercy’s “Barbie Doll” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” This sing-song chant has echoed across school yards and classrooms in America for generations, often in retaliation of carelessly thrown phrases from bullies and friends alike. Despite its adamant positivity, the message proves to be less than reliable. No matter how many times the phrase is repeated, there is no escaping the fact that words do indeed hurt. In “Barbie Doll”—a poem by Marge…

Joe Bisz Schizophrenia in a Parallel World Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that causes the mind and brain to lack the difference between what is real and not real, and can also cause individuals to not act normal in social settings. Marge Piercy author of “Woman on the Edge of Time,” helps us to explore the two worlds in which Connie Ramos lives in as well as allow us to meet the individuals that she interacts with in both her present and future. Although Connie is seen as a…

Marge Piercy’s “Barbie Doll”, is a poem that delves around the controversial themes that are put on to focus about the popular toy called “Barbie”, becoming very popular in the 1950’s, this doll has been a spark of controversy on body image, something this poem delves into for its central theme. The poem shows this through irony and symbolism in delivering its theme to the reader, the speaker goes through the experience, and the author creates a didactic poem that angrily shows the reader the…

have put their feelings into writings, which are very powerful to both men and women. Writers like Marge Piercy, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the memorable speaker, Sojourner Truth, put into perspective how women were degraded by our own society. During shakespeare’s time, women who were born…

the iconic plastic statuette that the majority of the 90’s juvenile lasses play with and bring about everywhere. Setting aside the instinctual thought of the term ‘Barbie doll’ as the childhood toy, Marge Piercy’s compelling poem entitled “Barbie Doll” is another facet to ponder about. In her poem, Piercy illustrates the immense destructive power of the standards imposed on women. Piercy’s poem unfolds with the impression that the protagonist, who’s undoubtedly a girl, was born like any other…

destructive words we don’t think twice about “you run like a girl.” Marge Piercy’s, “A Work of Artifice,” on the surface is about a gardener and a manipulated bonsai tree. However, as you dig a bit deeper (no pun intended), the audience soon see that Piercy’s purpose is to portray a much heavier topic of women’s oppression. Piercy has exemplified in her title, word choice, and metaphors her idea of women’s inferiority. Piercy isn’t shy from the beginning when she titles the work, “A Work of…

Self-Image In recent decades, society has changed its perception of physical appearance and self-image. People place more importance on becoming physically perfect, however, this creates a large amount of pressure to achieve this unobtainable goal. In Marge Piercy’s poem, “Barbie Doll”, she focuses on an adolescent girl who was driven to commit suicide as a means to rid herself of the stress of being perfect. The poem brings to light the issue of suicide due to the pressures of self-image…