Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the exposition in 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'?
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?
What decision does Monique make in the inciting incident?
Monique decides to write Evelyn's biography.
What does the rising action involve?
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?
Who was Husband 1 for Evelyn?
Who was Husband 2 and what was notable about their relationship?
Who was Husband 2 and what was notable about their relationship?
What was Evelyn's plan with Husband 3, Mick Riva?
What was Evelyn's plan with Husband 3, Mick Riva?
What type of marriage did Evelyn enter with Husband 4, Rex North?
What type of marriage did Evelyn enter with Husband 4, Rex North?
What tragic circumstances surround Husband 5, Harry Cameron?
What tragic circumstances surround Husband 5, Harry Cameron?
What realization did Evelyn have about her marriage with Husband 6, Max Girard?
What realization did Evelyn have about her marriage with Husband 6, Max Girard?
Who was Husband 7, and what happened to him?
Who was Husband 7, and what happened to him?
What is the climax of the story?
What is the climax of the story?
What is the falling action in the narrative?
What is the falling action in the narrative?
What resolution does Monique come to concerning Evelyn?
What resolution does Monique come to concerning Evelyn?
What is one of the central themes of the story?
What is one of the central themes of the story?
What is highlighted about the patriarchy in Hollywood?
What is highlighted about the patriarchy in Hollywood?
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.
