Blonde: Conceiving Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe did not come to life all by the doing of Norma Jeane Baker. Four people played an important role in the conceiving of that identity that catapulted Norma Jeane to stardom, and they are Öse, Shinn, Cass and Eddy G.

All these four men used their expertise in discovering, enhancing and feeding the fetus called Marilyn Monroe. They remove Norma Jeane’s doubts and edify her inherent bodily traits making her feel worthy to be a star. However, before anything, there is a fact that stands true throughout the novel about Norma Jeane.

I was not a trump or a slut. Yet there was the wish to perceive me that way. For I could not be sold any other way I guess. And I saw that I must be sold. For then I would be desired, and I would be loved.

Undeniably, Marilyn Monroe is Norma Jeane’s identity that highlighted her corporeality and her sexuality. Otto Öse saw her body, I.E. Shinn saw her sensuality, while Cass and Eddy G. saw her doubts and fears in embodying the celebrated Marilyn Monroe of Hollywood.

Through Otto Öse’s camera, Norma Jeane is the Marilyn Monroe that men will desire. Öse’s camera captured the truthfulness of her body setting her apart from the rest of the actors.

Through I.E. Shinn’s coverings, Norma Jeane is the Marilyn Monroe that people will crave. Her clothing does not hide the fact of her inherent corporeality but highlight it.

Through Cass and Eddy G., Norma Jeane learned to embrace the celebrity status of Marilyn Monroe of Hollywood. These two men made it easy for Norma Jeane to live with the fact that she has a beautiful body and a pretty face. Her corporeality in essence is to be highlighted and not diminished.

The human body is meant to be seen, admired, and desired, not hidden away like an ugly festering wound.

Reference “Blonde” 20th Anniversary Edition: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates. 2020. HarperCollins Publishers, New York, USA