The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the exposition in 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'?

Monique Grant is selected by Evelyn Hugo to write an article about her donation of dresses to a charity auction, eventually leading to her writing Evelyn's biography.

What decision does Monique make in the inciting incident?

Monique decides to write Evelyn's biography.

What does the rising action involve?

Evelyn tells the story of her life as Monique records her experiences with her seven husbands.

Who was Husband 1 for Evelyn?

Poor Ernie Diaz. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Husband 2 and what was notable about their relationship?

Gosh darn Don Addler; their relationship was characterized by love but ended in abuse. Signup and view all the answers

What was Evelyn's plan with Husband 3, Mick Riva?

Evelyn planned to marry Mick Riva to regain her fame and then annul their marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What type of marriage did Evelyn enter with Husband 4, Rex North?

A sham marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic circumstances surround Husband 5, Harry Cameron?

He suffered from depression and alcoholism after losing John, leading to his eventual death. Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Evelyn have about her marriage with Husband 6, Max Girard?

His love was not genuine; he loved her fame rather than her as a person. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Husband 7, and what happened to him?

Agreeable Robert Jamison; he died a few years after Evelyn's lover Celia St. James. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the story?

Evelyn reveals that Monique's father, James Grant, was the man killed by Harry in a drunk driving accident. Signup and view all the answers

What is the falling action in the narrative?

Monique struggles with her feelings toward Evelyn after learning the truth about her father's death. Signup and view all the answers

What resolution does Monique come to concerning Evelyn?

Monique decides to accept Evelyn's choices and forgives her for the past. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the central themes of the story?

Prioritizing time spent with loved ones over career ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted about the patriarchy in Hollywood?

Evelyn's need to constantly reinvent herself while men did not face the same pressures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exposition

Monique Grant, an undervalued writer at Vivant magazine, is selected by Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo to write her biography.
Evelyn will only work with Monique and plans for the biography to be released upon her death, guaranteeing millions in profits to Monique.

Inciting Incident

Monique agrees to Evelyn's offer to write her biography, setting the main narrative in motion.

Rising Action

Evelyn recounts her life story to Monique, detailing her experiences with her seven husbands.

Husband 1: Poor Ernie Diaz

Married at 14 to escape an abusive father; used Ernie to gain access to Hollywood.
Divorced Ernie after being discovered by producer Harry Cameron, ending all ties.

Husband 2: Gosh Darn Don Addler

Initially fell in love with Don, but their relationship turned abusive post-marriage.
After discovering his infidelity and falling for co-star Celia, Evelyn divorces Don and faces blacklisting in Hollywood.

Husband 3: Gullible Mick Riva

Employed a marriage scheme with Mick Riva to regain fame, leading to an annulment the next morning.
After a brief affair resulting in an abortion, her relationship with Celia suffered, causing a five-year separation.

Husband 4: Clever Rex North

Entered a business marriage with Rex to promote their movie, which later revealed personal issues, including his girlfriend's pregnancy.

Husband 5: Brilliant, Kindhearted, Tortured Harry Cameron

Married best friend Harry, who was gay; together they raised Evelyn's daughter, Cameron.
After John's death, Harry descended into alcoholism, straining relationships.

Husband 6: Disappointing Max Girard

Initially fell in love with director Max Girard after working together but discovered his love was superficial.
Left Max upon reconnecting with Celia, who revealed her terminal illness.

Husband 7: Agreeable Robert Jamison

Married Celia's brother Robert and spent their remaining years in Spain until both Robert and Celia passed away.
Following her diagnoses of cancer, Evelyn sought to share her story before her eventual fate.

Climax

The revelation that Evelyn's drunk-driving accident killed Monique's father, James Grant, shifts Monique's perception of Evelyn dramatically.

Falling Action

Monique grapples with feelings of admiration and resentment towards Evelyn due to their intertwined pasts.

Resolution

Monique realizes Evelyn intends to end her life on her own terms and chooses to accept this reality, aiming for future forgiveness.

Theme

Importance of prioritizing relationships over fame, leading to Evelyn's regret for not valuing time spent with loved ones.
Reflects on the challenges of achieving success in a patriarchal Hollywood, where women must constantly adapt.

Big Ideas

Critique of Hollywood's patriarchal history, emphasizing the necessity for women to reinvent themselves.
Discussion on moral complexity – actions taken for survival may not always stem from love.
Reinforces the idea that one must advocate for their desires to achieve goals.

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Description

Test your knowledge of 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' with these flashcards. Explore key terms and concepts that define the story, including the complex relationship between Monique Grant and Evelyn Hugo. Perfect for fans looking to deepen their understanding of this captivating novel.