Mrs. Mallard considers herself to be liberated from this influence when her husband has been mistakenly proclaimed dead; excited at the opportunity to be able to live her life for herself, instead of acquiescing to him, she dies upon discovering that he is still very much alive.
"Barbie Doll" is a poem by Marge Piercy that details how frustrating it can be for women to consistently be trapped in stereotypical roles of demure, pretty ladies all the time. This poem details how those expectations begin early on in life, and can eventually force a woman to take drastic action (including plastic surgery which is alluded to in the poem) to fit into such a mold.
Langston Hughes' "Theme for English B" showcases the differences African-Americans face in their daily lives due to prejudice and racism. It shows his sense of alienation...
There are allusions to sexism, and possibly racism, as the character in the poem is not selected for an academic endeavor despite being more qualified than a male counterpart. This poem illustrates teenage angst in myriad other instances, as well.
A.R. Ammons' "The City Limits" is about people and things that exist outside of mainstream America -- represented within the poem by cities. The author demonstrates a number of things that take place and live outside of the confines of urban environments, to show how limiting the effects of mainstream culture and civilization can actually be.
