Through deconstructing perspectives on a multitude of the ‘girl’ and ‘mother,’ Koutná explores ways in which these myths can be subverted. Furthermore, she focuses on how gender stereotypes are reinforced through pop culture, unpacking the character of Perdita in the story of 101 Dalmatians (Disney, 1961, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2021).

“Roses and All the Shoes” is a poem about one‘s fears, the process of growing up and navigating questions about relationships between a girl, dogs, shoes and roses. Using free-flow writing, I look at learned language and seek ways to survive in this world without following learned commands.