Many authors have designed short stories with limited length and are characterized by plot setting and conflict. In the story, “Barbie-Q,” Cisneros tries to explain how the American society views women to be materialistic and perfect whereby, in reality, they have their flaws (Cisneros,1991). Cisneros shows that the girls’ Barbie dolls have some faults. For instance, Francie, who has a melted left foot, shows that women have their flaws and are forced to hide them for the sake of society (Cisneros, 1991). Additionally, Cisneros shows how social class affects society, whereby the story “Barbie-Q” reveals that the girls were from a lower social class. Their doll wears old clothes due to poverty, and it would put on one cover from one Christmas to another.
The girls would also buy dolls that were not brand new and had their flaws, such as the melted foot. Thus, I think that the story has primarily focused on various issues that women experience in society to educate the audience about the need to appreciate females since people have different flaws. The use of humor has also made the story exciting and can attract many readers who can learn the message being conveyed about women in the community.
In her story, “Happy Endings,” Atwood focuses on gender and sexuality in society. In scenario B, Atwood shows that sex for men is for pleasure, while women come with self-sacrifice. For instance, John uses Mary’s body for fun and does not reciprocate with care, while Mary’s sex is a tool to maintain their connection. Atwood talks about relationships and marriage, and characters, such as John and Mary are categorized by affiliation. She also shows death and loss, which is experienced in many affairs. For instance, Mary commits suicide because of her lover, and John kills Mary and James due to infidelity (Atwood, 1983). Therefore, I think that the story is educative since it discusses how people engage in affairs and the challenges they experience. Suicide cases have also been experienced in many states. Thus, I believe that Atwood has ensured that readers can learn that relationships involve various aspects, such as the importance of loving, respecting, and appreciating one another.
References
Atwood, M. (1983). Happy Endings. Murder in the dark: Short fictions and prose poems, 40. Web.
Cisneros, S. (1991). Barbie-Q. Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories, 14-17. Web.