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Analysis "Hanging Fire" & "Barbie Doll"

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Thesis Statement & Introduction An analysis of the literary elements imagery, symbolism, and tone/mood in “Barbie Doll”, by Marge Piercy and, “Hanging Fire” by Audre Lorde reveals each character and their struggle with their identity in society.

Summary of “Barbie Doll” In the poem “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy, we read about a young girl who has self image problems. Due to the expectations of society, she is not happy with her physical appearance. She had many good qualities but is unable to see these for herself. Instead she only sees is a “a great big nose and fat legs”(Piercy,1936). In order to conform to society’s idea of beauty, the young girl was “advised to play coy, exhorted to come on hearty, exercise, diet, smile and …show more content…

“Hanging Fire” may have been her way of expressing the guidance of her mother could have helped her through her confusion with her sexuality. I think this really impacted her, so she reminds herself and the reader of it at the end of every stanza.

Compare/Contrast Authors Use of Literary Element Imagery Imagery is used to depict identity issues in “Barbie Doll” by Marge Piercy and in “Hanging Fire” by Audre Lorde. In both “Barbie Doll” and “Hanging Fire,” a young girl struggles with their appearance. In “Barbie Doll” the author Marge Piercy uses imagery to portray a young girl who is unhappy with the way she looks. For instance, in the following lines “She was healthy, tested intelligent, possessed strong arms and back, abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity. She went to and fro apologizing. Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs,” (Piercy, 1936) although she possessed several good qualities, the only thing that stood out to her was her nose and legs. In “Hanging fire,” the author Audre Lorde uses imagery to show a young woman struggling with her identity as well, not only with the physical part of her identity but the emotional side as well. After repeated use of the line, “and momma's in the bedroom with the door closed,” (Lorde, 1978) it is apparent the young girl struggles without the guidance of her mother.

Literary Element- Symbolism in “Barbie Doll” The title “Barbie Doll” itself symbolizes a thin, curvy body, with

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