Exploring the Text

1. Identify several stereotypes that Marge Piercy draws on in this poem. Why is girlchild—one word—an appropriate term?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: Identify several stereotypes that Marge Piercy draws on in this poem. Why is girlchild—one word—an appropriate term?
2. What images and colors does Piercy use to depict the girlchild?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: What images and colors does Piercy use to depict the girlchild?
3. Who is the speaker in the poem?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: Who is the speaker in the poem?
4. How does the way the girl is encouraged to behave run counter to her natural inclinations?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: How does the way the girl is encouraged to behave run counter to her natural inclinations?
5. How does the speaker entwine other commentaries into the poem? Why? Are these voices in the mind of the girlchild real or imagined?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: How does the speaker entwine other commentaries into the poem? Why? Are these voices in the mind of the girlchild real or imagined?
6. What is the speaker’s tone in this poem? What specific lines and images lead you to your understanding of tone?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 8 - Barbie Doll - Exploring the Text: What is the speaker’s tone in this poem? What specific lines and images lead you to your understanding of tone?