IntroductionIn literature, the exploration of vulnerability and identity often serves as a mirror to societal norms and personal struggles. Brian Doyle's "Joyas Voladoras" and "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy are two poignant pieces that delve deeper into these themes. Through Doyle's introspective examination of a hummingbird's fleeting but profound existence and Piercy's critique of societal expectations placed on women, both works highlight the fragility of life and the constructed nature of identity to explain how Doyle and Piercy address these complex themes, ultimately revealing the universal human condition marked by both our innate vulnerabilities and the identities we strive to construct. no to plagiarism Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should” Brian Doyle’s “Joyas Voladoras” is a masterful contemplation on the brevity of life and the inherent vulnerability that comes with it. Doyle uses the hummingbird as a metaphorical device to illustrate the intensity and transience of existence. The hummingbird, with its rapid heartbeat and fleeting lifespan, embodies a life lived to the extreme. Doyle writes: “The heart of a hummingbird is a large part of the hummingbird. Joyas voladoras, flying jewels, as the first white explorers of the Americas called them, and white men had never seen such creatures, for hummingbirds only came into the world in America” (Doyle). These vivid images not only capture the reader's imagination, but also serve as a stark reminder of the impermanence of life. Doyle's tale extends beyond the hummingbird, suggesting that all hearts, regardless of species, are linked by the same fragility. By connecting this vulnerability to a universal biological function, Doyle subtly highlights the shared experience of all living beings, fostering a sense of empathy and interdependence. In contrast, Marge Piercy's "Barbie Doll" offers a critical examination of societal constructs and their impact on individual identity, particularly that of women. The poem follows a young girl who is subjected to societal pressures to conform to idealized standards of beauty. Piercy's use of the Barbie doll, an iconic symbol of unrealistic physical perfection, serves as a poignant critique of these societal norms. The poem begins with a seemingly innocent childhood: "This little girl was born as usual and presented with peeing dolls / and miniature GE frying pans and irons / and little cherry candy-colored lipsticks" (Piercy). However, as the poem progresses, the girl is harshly judged and criticized for her physical appearance, leading to a tragic conclusion. Piercy's stark language and imagery reveal the harmful effects of societal expectations, ultimately questioning the value placed on superficial attributes over intrinsic qualities. Through the juxtaposition of the girl's natural self and the artificial norms embodied by the Barbie doll, Piercy poignantly exposes the destructive nature of conformity to societal ideals. Despite their different approaches, Doyle and Piercy highlight a common theme: the struggle between authentic existence and imposed identities. Doyle's exploration of the hummingbird's life serves as a metaphor for the beauty and pain of living authentically, regardless of the brevity that entails. The hummingbird lives intensely, its vulnerability testifying to its true existence. In contrast, Piercy's little girl is forced to navigate a world that prioritizes artificial standards over authentic self-expression. The tragic outcome of “Barbie Doll”.