Barbie Doll

The poem "Barbie Doll" is an extended allusion. The allusion is in the title. We all know what a Barbie Doll looks like, what a Barbie Doll wears, and all about Barbie's many materialistic posessions. In my opinion, the title is an allusion to illustrate society's role in the meaning of the poem. This woman, the speaker, talks of having a big nose and fat legs. These qualities are NOT uncommon in women, but also NOT welcomed. Society tells women how they should look, what they should wear, and what they should have through the Barbie Doll. We all look at the doll, perfectly toned and skinny body, and we compare that to ourselves. The speaker is comparing herself to Barbie, realizing she isn't "good enough", and letting society in her head. The poem has a greater, world-wide message. We are all made differently, and Barbie is NOT the epitome of our womanhood.