The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid

By: Geyeon Lau

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How do the characters in the novel ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ expose a critique of the Hollywood Star System through their motivations and actions in the pursuit of fame and success?

‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid was published in 2017. The young-adult fiction novel depicts the life of Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood icon who rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s. As she approaches the end of her life, Evelyn decides to tell her life story to an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. Through the retelling of her seven marriages and the events that led to her success, Evelyn reveals the secrets and scandals that she kept hidden for decades. 

The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, the complexity of identity, and the price of fame. In today’s society, reputation, fame, and success are often viewed as markers of prestige and accomplishment (Bryson). However, these ideals are not as simple as they may appear. The portrayal of Evelyn Hugo’s life serves as a lens through which celebrity culture behind the curtains may be examined, challenging and exposing the idealized image of stardom.

This essay will employ examples from the novel to explore how the motivations and actions of the fictional characters, chiefly Evelyn Hugo, reveal a critique of the Hollywood star system. By examining these characters as constructs within the narrative, this essay will reveal insights and implications into the price of real-world fame and stardom. This thesis is supported by close literary analysis of Reid’s use of plot points, characterisation, and language, in conjunction with contextual parallels of real-life Hollywood events.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Reid depicts a mise-en-scène of Old Hollywood, incorporating not only the glitz and glamor of the time but also delving into its complexities. Understanding the historical context of the novel is crucial, as Reid intricately weaves authentic events into her characters’ lives. 

Hollywood was founded by American landowner Harvey Wilcox and is located in Los Angeles, California (Wessel). The name ‘Hollywood’ is believed to have originated from the holly bushes common in the region (Hellerman). However, the name did not become widely associated with the film industry until the 20th century. By the 1920s, Hollywood had emerged as the center of the American film industry, home to major studios such as Paramount, Warner Bros., and MGM (French).

The 1950s was a significant era for the entertainment industry, marked by technological advances resulting in the widespread adoption of television (Forgeard). This period marked a turning point, not just in terms of technology, but in shaping the cultural context and influencing societal perceptions of fame and fortune.

This inspired society with the freedom and sophistication portrayed by actors during Hollywood’s golden age, leading many to chase fame. With the end of World War II and exponential post-war consumer culture, television became a central fixture in households bringing the ‘American Dream’ into viewers’ homes (Clifton). The close proximity of television to its audience required Hollywood actors to embody an idealized representation of success and glamor. 

The mid-20th century was also a period marked by societal constraints and prejudices (Fiske). Against the backdrop of the Stonewall riots and AIDS crisis, the characters in the novel grapple with persecution and instability of their identities. The Stonewall riots were sparked by a New York City police raid on a gay bar and served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement (Mullen). The AIDS crisis, otherwise known as the “gay disease” (Zapata), sheds light on the stigmatization during the era. 

By weaving true real-life events and contexts into her narrative, Reid is able to use her character constructs to provide a critical perspective on the existent price of fame and the personal toll of pursuing stardom within the glamorous, unforgiving world of Hollywood.

CHARACTERS & ORIGINS 

This section serves to examine how the characters in ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ initially entered Hollywood fame, and how their early sacrifices and ambitions paved the way for their journeys. 

Evelyn Hugo 

Evelyn’s poor immigrant upbringing in Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood with a grim reputation, provides a stark contrast to the opulence she later achieves. Born Evelyn Herrera, she faced economic hardship from a young age, being raised by a single, abusive father after her mother “died of pneumonia” (Reid Pg.42). 

At just 14-years-old, Evelyn marries her first husband, Ernie Diez to escape Hell’s Kitchen, “that’s what I traded my virginity for. A ride to Hollywood.” (Reid Pg.44). The use of the word “trade” conveys the transactional nature of her decision. Motivated by “Hollywood”, Evelyn frames her sacrifice as an exchange. Whilst television inspired hope, it also presented Hollywood’s intoxicating promise of fame and fortune; Evelyn is willing to part with her virginity, an intimate part of her identity, to gain entry into its glittering world. This early sacrifice highlights the extreme lengths to which individuals are willing to go when lured by the dazzling prospects of stardom with little knowledge of what is to come. 

Celia St. James

Actor Celia St. James is a central character in the novel who is revealed to be Evelyn Hugo’s true love. In contrast to Evelyn, Celia’s socioeconomic background is filled with privilege and affluence. Celia reveals, “I’ve had money my whole life…I’m ‘working’. My sister says it’s undignified.” (Reid Pg.107). This statement reflects Celia’s entitlement and family’s disconnect with societal norms due to their wealth. The use of the qualifying quotation marks around the word “working” showcases Celia’s lack of seriousness towards her occupation. Perhaps, this reveals her Hollywood job may serve as validation within society rather than financial necessity. 

Women are not excluded from the societal structure. In feminist movements of all societies there have been hierarchies, either of class or race. There are women who are more unequal than others (Teresa). Reid subtly presents the idea of intersectionality, where several forms of discrimination such as race, class or gender “intersect” (Coaston). Despite being both women, Evelyn and Celia’s contrasting experiences in terms of class origin highlight disparities in their pathways to Hollywood.

MOTIVATIONS & ACTIONS

This section aims to explore the character’s motivations and actions in the pursuit of fame and success, unraveling the complexities of Hollywood.

Evelyn’s assertion, “I was gorgeous, even at fourteen. Oh, I know the whole world prefers a woman who doesn’t know her power, but I’m sick of all that…I didn’t give myself this body. But I’m also not going to sit here and say, Aw, shucks. People really thought I was pretty?” (Reid Pg.53), reveals her attitude towards her appearance and societal expectations. Her statements are pragmatic and bluntly truthful. The sarcasm shown through the rhetorical device in “Aw, shucks. People really thought I was pretty?” develops an arrogant tone.

Evelyn is aware of her own beauty and the power it holds, though others may prefer she pretend to be unaware. The adjective “sick” suggests her distaste and disgust for the facade of beauty. Evelyn finds it frustrating to downplay the impact she has on others. This discontent can be seen as a critique from Reid on real world gender issues.

In many societies, there exists a double standard regarding how men and women are expected to navigate and express their attractiveness. Women are often expected to downplay their beauty and adopt a sense of false modesty (Ream), an idea seen in Evelyn’s character. Through Evelyn’s quote, there is a deeper reflection on societal expectations and the exploitation of beauty. Women are often portrayed with negative connotations, including in films and literature. 

“There’s a name for you ladies, but it isn’t used in high society outside of a kennel.” 

(Film – “The Women”, 1939)

The quote above, from the film ‘The Women’, has left a lasting impression on me. It employs a metaphor that relates women who resist traditional roles to animals in a kennel, a comparison that reveals the sexism ingrained in societal attitudes. By stating that the name for such women “isn’t used in high society”, the film underscores the devaluation of women who do not conform to the accepted norms of femininity.

This metaphor reveals the societal tendency to demean women who do not follow typical behavior. Likewise, Evelyn’s attitude towards her beauty, mirrors the film’s depiction of women who challenge traditional roles, both critiquing society’s double standards and exposing the limitations imposed on women by societal norms. It is daunting to note that a film from 1939 shares the same ideas as a novel published in 2018.

This suggests that Reid may be reflecting on the enduring nature of sexism in Hollywood, where women continue to face similar sexist portrayals, even today. Reid’s portrayal of Evelyn is thus a criticism of broader gender issues and the need to address these societal discrepancies. 

Evelyn’s statement, “miles from where I was born…changed my name. Changed my hair. Changed my teeth and my body” (Reid Pg.78), underscores the significance of her physical transformations. The repetition of the word “change” is rich in symbolism, representing more than mere beauty alterations. Each action symbolizes a deeper, more profound change that extends beyond the physical.

Evelyn is not only adapting to her new environment, she is also actively severing ties with her impoverished origins and striving to assimilate into the glamorous world of Hollywood. This list of short, fragmented sentences emphasizes Evelyn’s relentless hunt for stardom. It’s a list that demonstrates Evelyn’s unyielding ambition and her readiness to adjust every element of her life if it helps her.

Furthermore, the decision to change her name from “Evelyn Herrera” to “Evelyn Hugo” and dye her hair blonde, illustrates her willingness to abandon her roots, culture, and ethnic identity in conformity to Hollywood’s image. This raises the question of how the pursuit of fame can cause individuals to lose their sense of self and personal identity. It underscores the price of fame and the extent to which one will sacrifice their true self.

The fact that Evelyn changed her Cuban surname suggests deeper issues within the attitudes of Hollywood. Despite Hispanics being the second-largest ethnic group in the U.S, they are significantly underrepresented in the industry (Nancy Wang Yuen). In over two decades, only 4.4% of lead or co-lead roles were performed by Latinos (Ana Vidal Egea). Through Evelyn’s character, Reid critiques the deeply ingrained racism in Hollywood, to the extent where the industry’s overwhelming whiteness may pressure actors to shed their identities to become a more ‘palatable’ image. 

In reflection of Evelyn’s second husband, Don Adler, she recalls, “He opens the parked car’s door and pushes you out…you fix the hole in your dress with a safety pin” (Reid Pg.82). This quote shows Evelyn’s resilience in the face of abuse from her husband, depicting the complex themes of love and sacrifice. By using the second-person perspective “you” instead of the first-person “I”, Reid creates a sense of detachment.

This could imply Evelyn’s reflection on her past experiences and her struggle come to terms with how her actions align with her self-image. This distancing technique suggests Evelyn’s desire to forgive herself for enduring the abuse and prolonging the relationship with Don. This illustrates her internal conflict between maintaining her public persona and facing the harsh reality of her situation, as she sacrifices her well-being in the pursuit of fame and success.

The image of Evelyn fixing a hole in her dress with a “safety pin” serves as a powerful metaphor for her temporary solutions to her abusive marriage. Evelyn’s attempts to manage her marital problems by keeping them bottled up and staying with Don are superficial fixes that fail to address the deeper emotional and psychological damage. This abusive relationship might reflect Reid’s critique of society and Hollywood’s perspective on speaking up about mistreatment and exploitation.

Abuse in the Hollywood film industry has been a persistent issue, with many victims forced into silence (Kosmides). This is often because perpetrators usually hold a significant power that can impact careers (directors, influential figures, etc.). In 2009, actress Megan Fox was a guest on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. When sharing her experience of being sexualized by director Michael Bay, Kimmel humored her account (Kemp), thereby trivializing and normalizing her mistreatment.

This approach not only belittles her experiences but also perpetuates a culture where these issues are not taken seriously, discouraging victims from speaking out, creating a cycle of silence and stigma. This outlook when addressing serious issues highlights the problematic nature of Hollywood, where individuals remain in toxic relationships to maintain their fame. Negative and unhelpful responses about these issues develop a lack of open discussion and standing up for what is right; in Reid’s portrayal of Evelyn, it meant stringing out a marriage with her abuser. 

The morning after the Stonewall Riots, Evelyn reflects, “I was so… self involved, so singularly focused…This was our people…revolting against the police…while I was sitting in a golden prison of my own making.”(Reid Pg.234-5). By referencing the real-life “Stonewall Riots”, Reid is able to convey genuine emotions and highlight the pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Evelyn’s admission of being “self-involved” and “singularly focused” reveals a moment of introspection and self-awareness. The metaphor of the “golden prison” contrasts luxury with confinement, suggesting Evelyn’s realization that despite her material wealth, she is constrained by her own separation from larger societal issues. The italicization of  “our” further emphasizes her recognition of belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Yet, her lack of involvement in the events may suggest that her lack of participation is influenced by her desire to preserve her fame, as openly associating would have jeopardized her career. Celebrities often avoid discussing controversial and/or political issues to protect their careers (Naledi Ushe).

At the Cannes Film Festival, director Thierry Frémaux stated, “The main interest for us all to be here is cinema, so if there are other polemics it doesn’t concern us” (Razmig Bedirian). He was indirectly referring to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, noting that many celebrities avoid commenting on such issues. This parallel shows how both in the novel and in real life, the fear of jeopardizing one’s public image can lead individuals to remain silent on significant topics.

Through Evelyn’s narrative, Reid critiques Hollywood’s culture, where individuals with influential platforms often choose silence to maintain their ‘star image’ and fame, despite their potential to raise advocacy and change. This avoidance of genuine self-expression and public stance on important issues highlights the broader problem of Hollywood’s pressure to conform and maintain a polished image which prevents people from being true to themselves, expressing their views, beliefs, sexuality, and ultimately, perpetuating a superficial existence.

Addressing Evelyn, Celia exclaims, “I’d give it all up, you know. All of it. The money and the jobs and the fame. I’d give it all up just to be with you.” (Reid Pg.170).  Celia’s willingness to renounce her wealth and fame underscores the depth of her love for Evelyn. The repetition of “all” emphasizes the totality of Celia’s willingness to sacrifice everything for Evelyn. It demonstrates the sincerity and gravity of her statement, conveying that her commitment is not limited but absolute.

This technique intensifies the emotional weight of her declaration suggesting love is worth more, even above her public persona and career achievements. Her statement is further emphasized by Reid’s use of parallel structure in “the money and the jobs and the fame”, creating a rhythmic flow, emphasizing the breadth of what Celia is willing to give up. It highlights the significance of these aspects by presenting them as a cohesive unit, thereby amplifying the magnitude of her sacrifice. The parallelism also draws attention to the contrast between these material possessions and her personal desires.

The contrast between “money and the jobs and the fame” and “just to be with you” highlights the difference between material success and emotional fulfillment. This juxtaposition underscores Celia’s relative importance of personal relationships over public success. It critiques the superficiality of fame by placing them in opposition to the value of love.

The quote also sheds light on Celia’s socioeconomic privilege. Her willingness to give up “money and the jobs and the fame” may be seen as dramatic, but it’s crucial to recognize that these are elements she can afford to consider sacrificing. Celia’s position of privilege means she can speak of giving up fame and wealth with a sense of detachment as she has resources. Furthermore, the quote reveals an internal conflict within Celia. While she is willing to give up her material success, the fact that she can contemplate this indicates the tension between her public and private selves. On a broader level, this can be seen as a critique of the superficial nature of the entertainment industry. 

“They said, “Babe, you gotta fake it ’til you make it” and I did” 

(Taylor Swift – “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”, 2024)

Singer Taylor Swift’s lyrics demonstrate the emotional toll of maintaining a facade for public consumption, mirroring Celia’s internal conflict between her genuine desires of love and Hollywood’s pressures of her public persona. Swift’s criticism of the necessity to “fake it” reflects the broader theme in Celia’s quote that authenticity and personal connections are more fulfilling than societal accolades; however, the industry requires individuals to put on a front to maintain their fame. Through Celia, Reid sheds light on the struggles faced by those in Hollywood who cannot fully be themselves due to societal constraints.

On the topic of Celia, Evelyn reflects to Monique, “now that I don’t have her, and I have more money than I could ever use in this lifetime…I chose it over loving her…if I just played my cards right, I could have it all” (Reid Pg.192). This quote, in which Evelyn admits to choosing fame over Celia, underscores the recurring theme of sacrifice throughout the novel. Evelyn’s admission that she chose material wealth over love conveys a tone of deep regret, illustrating the price of her pursuit in fame.

The metaphor of  “playing cards right” highlights the transactional nature of her actions and suggests her reliance on strategy and calculated decisions, a characteristic she was forced to develop in order to escape Hell’s Kitchen. Evelyn’s reflection reveals how the game of fame demanded sacrifices, ultimately costing her the love of her life. This theme of sacrifice is further amplified as Evelyn grapples with the consequences of her choices, showcasing a layer of complexity in her character. Further elaborating on this theme, Evelyn confesses, “Celia was gone…Rex and I had built a relationship built entirely on box office. It was tacky and fake and manipulative.

But it was the beginning of my millions” (Reid Pg. 196). Here, Evelyn admits that her relationship with Rex was a strategic move designed to boost publicity and financial standing rather than stemming from genuine affection. The tricolon in the description of her relationship as “tacky and fake and manipulative” emphasizes the exploitation and lack of authenticity inherent in their union. Despite acknowledging the superficiality of her marriage, Evelyn acknowledges that it marked the beginning of her financial success, suggested by the phrase “the beginning of my millions”. Evelyn’s numerous marriages reveal to be constructed more for strategic advantage than for love, reflecting a broader commentary on the nature of success and personal sacrifice.

Evelyn’s candid admission mirrors a critique of the moral compromises often associated with celebrity culture. In Hollywood, the common practice of exploiting personal relationships for professional gain, often termed “PR stunts,” reveals a deeper issue of emotional integrity within the industry. This phenomenon involves manipulating public perception to boost visibility (Grace O’Neil). Reid’s portrayal of Evelyn’s multiple marriages illustrate this dynamic showing how her relationships are leveraged for fame. The high divorce statistics among celebrities, being 67 percent higher than the general population (Benson and Azim), further underscores the challenges of maintaining genuine connections under the intense scrutiny of fame. Through Evelyn’s experiences, Reid critiques Hollywood’s perfunctory, emphasizing the psychological prices of fame and the complexity of sustaining authentic relationships in an environment that prioritizes image over true connection.

INSIGHTS & IMPLICATIONS                                                                                            

The list of issues within Hollywood is extensive and multifaceted. This section will summarize insights and cover implications ascertained from Reid’s critique portrayed through her characters.

Ambition is often compared to aspiration (Burton), which literally has the same meaning: a desired upward movement toward a specific goal. Unlike aspiration, which focuses on a particular objective, ambition is rather a character trait that persists and permeates one’s actions and motivations. This characteristic of ambition often manifests strongly in individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, as they strive to overcome their challenging circumstances to achieve upward social mobility.

This drive is particularly evident in characters like Evelyn Hugo, who due to humble beginnings, are propelled by a fierce desire to succeed and climb the social ladder. This relentless pursuit of success can sometimes lead to morally questionable actions and decisions including personal sacrifices, reflecting the intense pressure to break free from socio-economic constraints. Hollywood’s preferential treatment towards those with financial resources limit opportunities for individuals from less affluent backgrounds no matter how good they are at what they do.

This creates a barrier to entry, perpetuating inequality and restricting the diversity of voices and stories represented in the media. Hollywood’s predominantly white industry, with its emphasis on their version of a ‘socially acceptable image’, suppresses controversial truths and marginalizes people of color. This results in a lack of representation and reinforces systemic racism by denying talented individuals opportunities. The industry’s focus on image over substance results in superficial relationships and personas. Furthermore, Hollywood’s reluctance to openly address sexuality fosters a culture of repression, influencing societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues. Similarly, the normalization of abusive behavior and the stigma surrounding speaking out discourages victims from coming forward and allowing harmful practices to continue unchecked.

French-Polish director, Roman Polanski admitted the statutory rape of a 13-year-old in 1977 after more serious charges were dropped in a plea bargain (Willsher). Yet, he was awarded several honors, including an Oscar. Journalist Alexis Poulin wrote, “Polanski fled and found refuge in France. In France, we accept rapists on the run because they’re artists”. There are numerous celebrities in history who, like Evelyn, endured abuse in their pursuit of fame. Famous movie star Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven different men. By the time she was twenty-six, she had been twice divorced, once widowed, severely abused.

Despite enduring significant challenges, including former husband Eddie Fisher pulling a gun on her, she remained resilient throughout her life (Brower). Likewise, Marilyn Monroe’s life was marked by significant personal struggles and tragedies. She faced devastating incidents of sexual abuse, a troubled childhood and various difficult relationships (Gray). It is likely that Reid drew inspiration from their experiences. 

Reid’s critique serves to challenge readers to rethink the values and practices of the entertainment industry and consider the broader societal implications of its behavior. 

To effect meaningful change, we must advocate for greater inclusion both in front of and behind the camera, ensuring that people of all ethnicities have equal opportunities. This involves supporting policies that promote equitable representation and challenge discriminatory practices. Additionally, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability is crucial.

It is necessary to encourage open discussions about abuse and support organizations that help victims come forward and seek justice. Furthermore, providing financial and emotional aid to marginalized communities and talents with lower socioeconomic statuses will help level the playing field. This support enables the industry to fulfill its supposed true purpose of inspiring and entertaining audiences. Collectively, these actions will contribute to a more equitable, representative, and true Hollywood that addresses the issues identified by Reid’s critique.

CONCLUSION

In examining ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid, it becomes clear the characters in the novel serve as a critical reflection on the intricacies of fame. Ultimately, Reid’s critique challenges readers to rethink the values and practices of Hollywood, urging a shift towards a more equitable journey in the pursuit of fame and success. Through this reflection, valuable insights into the broader implications of privilege and Hollywood structures are revealed, along with the necessary steps to rectify these deep-rooted issues within the Hollywood Star-System. 

From a personal standpoint, I believe that to change the industry, we must first address and change the behaviors of the individuals who drive it.

By: Geyeon Lau

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