The poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy and "The Leap" by James Dickey have similar views, although the styles are different, it is supported by the narration of the tones and the development of the themes. The two poems reflect each girl as their lives change from happy and outgoing, to sadness and death. The poems have style and the voice of the narrator leaves the sadness in the "Barbie Doll" and deeper sadness and regret in "The Leap". The narrator defines the impressions with dramatic turns of both women at a young age, which later ends tragically for both girls. .
The narrator talks about the child in the poem as the girl-child (Piercy) who plays with her "doll that did pee-pee, miniature stoves and cherry colored lipstick" (Piercy) as she applies the color to her lips. However, the narrator in "The Leap" feels more as the girl feels torn between being a child and a girl, as she plays house and acts grown up at the same time. The girl uses the doll and kitchen appliances in preparation for what lies ahead in her future of becoming a wife and mother. The girl "was tested for intelligence, possessed strong arms and back" (Piercy) yet, she still felt unaccepted in society.
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In the poem "The Leap," the girl is full of life, loved being around people and "was the fastest runner in seventh grade" (Dickey). The narrator felt an instant bond to the girl exclaiming, "She reached me now as well, hanging in my mind" (Dickey). This leap is significant to the speaker because it represents everything the speaker sees in the girl as being unforgettable, outgoing and strong. As the girl-child in "Barbie Doll" enters "the magic of puberty" (Piercy), a classmate tells her, "You have a great big nose and fat legs" (Piercy). This is the stage in a young girl's life where she should be happy with the changes taking place as she grows into a young woman. .
Unfortunately, the girl-child cannot forget her classmate's stinging criticism, which ultimately causes her to become insecure about herself.
