Course:Mrs. Potato Head by Melanie Martinez

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CRWR 501P 003
Advanced Writing of Poetry
  • Instructor:Dr. Bronwen Tate
  • Email: Bronwen.tate@ubc.ca
  • Office: Buchanan E #456
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Mrs. Potato Head by Melanie Martinez

Melanie Martinez's "Mrs. Potato Head" serves as a poignant commentary on the societal pressures and expectations tied to beauty standards, particularly focusing on the allure and consequences of cosmetic surgery. The song cleverly employs the metaphor of the iconic Mrs. Potato Head toy to convey its message, turning a childhood relic into a symbol of adult struggles with self-image.

The lyrics immediately address the option of altering one's appearance with the line, "If you weren't born with it, you can buy a couple ornaments." Martinez navigates the delicate topic of seeking professional help to enhance one's attractiveness, likening it to sticking pins in a vegetable, drawing attention to the potential pain and artificial nature of such transformations.

The recurring theme of "Kids forever, baby soft skin turns into leather" poetically captures the societal expectation for perpetual youthfulness and the harsh reality of the physical toll of conforming to beauty ideals over time. The bridge poses introspective questions about the nature of beauty and its connection to pain, warranty, and genuine happiness.

Martinez introduces a socioeconomic dimension by questioning how Mr. Potato Head affords surgery, shedding light on the financial burden associated with conforming to societal beauty norms. The acknowledgment of potential consequences, as expressed in the line "Even if her face don't stay together," prompts reflection on the risks and uncertainties tied to cosmetic procedures.

Melanie Martinez in the music video for "Mrs. Potatoe Head".jpg

In essence, "Mrs. Potato Head" not only critiques the societal obsession with beauty but also challenges the narratives surrounding it, utilizing vivid imagery, metaphor, and questions to create a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the complexities of self-image and societal expectations.

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