- What gender stereotypes are represented in the work?
- How does the stereotype support or undermine patriarchy?
- How does the author challenge gender stereotypes or traditional gender roles?
- What specific language is used to describe the different characters?
- Analyze the complex nature of the speaker's attitude toward the "Barbie Doll" in a well-organized paragraph.
a) Gender stereotypes in the work include the expectation for women to be physically attractive and perfect, as well as the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. This stereotype supports patriarchy by reinforcing the idea that women's worth is based on their appearance and ability to please others.
b) The author challenges these gender stereotypes and traditional gender roles by criticizing the societal pressure for women to fit a certain mold and by highlighting the damaging effects of these expectations on young girls.
c) Specific language used to describe the different characters includes phrases like "a pretty girl" and "dolls that did pee-pee and miniature GE stoves and irons." These descriptions emphasize the expectations placed on women to be physically attractive and domesticated.
d) The speaker's attitude toward the "Barbie Doll" is complex, as they initially admire and desire to embody its perfection, but ultimately criticize and reject the societal pressures and expectations that it represents.