The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses anti-gay prejudice, racism, and domestic abuse.

The morally corrupting and dehumanizing effects of fame are a recurring theme throughout the text, most often manifesting through Evelyn’s experiences. The cost of fame is first denoted by Evelyn’s virginity; after learning that she can weaponize her sexuality to take what she wants, Evelyn trades her virginity for a “ride to Hollywood” (44). From then on, Evelyn must make decisions to maintain her fame that are either immoral or compromise her safety and happiness. The most notable example of this is Evelyn’s refusal to come forward about Don’s abuse—or leave him—because she recognizes that it might ruin her career. Additionally, Evelyn repeatedly puts Celia’s feelings aside when making choices that negatively affect them both (e.g., sleeping with Mick).

Now that Evelyn looks back on her life, she realizes that it was her high estimation of fame and her greed that corrupted her. Despite thinking she’d be content after making enough money to live on, she learns that “no amount would ever really be enough” (205) to satiate her. Later in life, she would be embarrassed about “throwing money around so casually” (241). This literalizes the cost of fame; the money she earns will never be adequate to fill the void within Evelyn.