Kim Addonizio's poem, "What Do Women Want'" explores the risk that women
             have of being stereotyped. By employing the literary devices of imagery
             and metaphor, Addonizio is able to convey the message that what women
             really want is to be understood. Through her harsh and honest style,
             Addonizio wrestles with the burden of false impressions and put them in
             Leslie Ullman says that Addonizio's poetry "makes convincing what could
             become simply fashionable cynicism and street-smart bravado" (Ullman).
             This is clear in "What Do Women Want'" as Addonizio focuses on the sad
             stereotype that women must endure. In addition, Ullman also notes that
             "Addonizio's bursts of imagery and emotion and allow her to build momentum
             that sweeps many of these poems to a breathless finish" (Ullman). This is
             evident in "What Do Women Want'" as Addonizio uses the red dress as an
             Addonizio works through stereotypes because it is something that we can
             all relate to. She works with a typical stereotype--a cheap, flimsy red
             I want it too tight, I want to wear it
             until someone tears it off me
             I want it sleeveless and backless,
             this dress, so no one has to guess
             By presenting us with this image, she is making a reference to the kinds
             of stereotypes associated women that might wear such a dress.
             Addonizio also provides us with a very vivid image of what she will do
             in the dress. For instance, she says she will "walk past Thrifty's and the
             hardware store "and past the Guerra brothers/slinging pigs from the truck
             and onto the dolly. (11-2) She adds that she would also "like I'm the
             only/woman on earth and I can have my pick" (14-5). Clearly, she is
             working with the image that is often associated with modern women who might
             She wants the dress "bad" (16) and she also w
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