Introduction In literature, the exploration of vulnerability and identity often holds a mirror up to social norms and personal struggles. Brian Doyle's "Joyas Voladoras" and "Barbie Doll" " by Marge Piercy are two touching pieces that delve into these themes. Through Doyle's introspective examination of the fleeting but profound existence of a hummingbird and Piercy's critique of the social expectations imposed on women, both works highlight the fragility of life and the constructed nature of identity to illuminate how Doyle and Piercy address these complex issues, ultimately revealing the universal human condition marked by both our innate vulnerabilities and the identities we strive to construct. Get a Custom Essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body Paragraph Brian Doyle's "Joyas Voladoras" is a masterful contemplation on the brevity of life and the inherent vulnerability that accompanies her. Doyle uses the hummingbird as a metaphorical device to illustrate the intensity and transience of existence. The hummingbird, with its rapid heartbeat and ephemeral lifespan, embodies a life lived to the extreme. Doyle writes: “The heart of a hummingbird is largely of the hummingbird. Joyas voladoras, flying jewels, the first white explorers of the Americas called them, and white men had never seen such creatures, because hummingbirds only came into the world in the Americas” (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 narrative goes beyond the hummingbird, suggesting that all hearts, regardless of species, are bound by the same fragility. By linking this vulnerability to a universal biological function, Doyle subtly emphasizes the shared experience of all living beings, thus fostering a sense of empathy and interconnectedness. In contrast, Marge Piercy's "Barbie Doll" offers a critical examination of social constructs and their impact on human life. individual identity, especially female identity. The poem follows a young girl subjected to societal pressure to conform to idealized beauty standards. Piercy's use of the Barbie doll, an iconic symbol of unrealistic physical perfection, serves as a poignant critique of these social norms. The poem begins with a seemingly innocent childhood: "This little girl was born as usual and presented peeing dolls / and miniature GE stoves and irons / and little lipsticks the color of cherry candy" (Piercy). However, as the poem progresses, the girl is severely judged and criticized for her physical appearance, leading her to a tragic conclusion. Piercy's stark language and imagery reveal the damaging effects of social expectations, ultimately questioning the value placed on superficial attributes over intrinsic qualities. Through the juxtaposition between the girl's natural self and the artificial standards embodied by the Barbie doll, Piercy poignantly exposes the destructive nature of conforming to social ideals. Despite their different approaches, both Doyle and Piercy highlight a common theme: the struggle between authentic existence and real life. imposed identities. Doyle's exploration of the life of the hummingbird serves as a metaphor for the beauty and pain of living authentically, regardless of the brevity that entails. The hummingbird lives intensely and its vulnerability is a testimony to its genuine existence. In contrast, Piercy's daughter is forced to navigate a world that prioritizes artificial standards over authentic self-expression. The tragic outcome of "Barbie Doll".