There are many layers and levels of complexities of meaning with Stevie Smith's poem "Pretty," but I think one of the main issues is the exaggeration of aesthetic beauty as it pertains to the human being. We have almost made it more it a caricature. Plus, we do not ascribe the value of beauty to something, we ascribe an extraordinary amount of value to something that is beautiful... beauty isn't an end, but a means. A subtle difference. Consider how Marge Piercy also uses satire and irony in her criticism of the term "pretty" in her poem "Barbie Doll."
This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.
She was healthy, tested intelligent,
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.
She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.
In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
1973
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