"Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy

In this poem, Piercy explores the unrealistic standards of perfection to which girls are often held. Read the e-text here.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. puberty
    the time of life when one becomes capable of having children
    Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
    You have a great big nose and fat legs.
  2. manual
    of or relating to the hands
    She was healthy, tested intelligent,
    possessed strong arms and back,
    ...and manual dexterity.
  3. dexterity
    adroitness in using the hands
    She was healthy, tested intelligent,
    possessed strong arms and back,
    ...and manual dexterity.
  4. coy
    affectedly shy especially in a playful or provocative way
    She was advised to play coy,
    exhorted to come on hearty,
    exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
  5. exhort
    urge or force in an indicated direction
    She was advised to play coy,
    exhorted to come on hearty,
    exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
  6. hearty
    showing warm and sincere friendliness
    She was advised to play coy,
    exhorted to come on hearty,
    exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
  7. wheedle
    influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
    She was advised to play coy,
    exhorted to come on hearty,
    exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
  8. undertaker
    one whose business is the management of funerals
    In the casket displayed on satin she lay
    with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
    a turned-up putty nose,
    dressed in a pink and white nightie.
  9. cosmetic
    a toiletry designed to beautify the body
    In the casket displayed on satin she lay
    with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
    a turned-up putty nose,
    dressed in a pink and white nightie.
  10. consummation
    the act of bringing to completion or fruition
    Consummation at last.
    To every woman a happy ending.
Created on Thu Apr 23 14:46:12 EDT 2015 (updated Tue Apr 09 14:00:39 EDT 2019)

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