Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Ambition vs. Morality
Femininity, Sexuality, and Power
Truth and Identity
Family
Summary
Analysis
Don and Evelyn’s wedding is grand and luxurious, planned mostly by Don’s parents and Sunset Studios. Though they’re surrounded by celebrities, Evelyn feels that when she and Don exchange their vows, it’s just the two of them alone. Near the end of the evening, Harry asks Evelyn if Don will take good care of her. She says she doesn’t doubt it: she feels like Don is her fairytale happy ending.
Even on one of the most important days of her life, Evelyn is under the control of those wealthier and more powerful than her—even her celebrity status is a kind of restriction, because it requires such a high standard of perfection. While Harry’s question emphasizes his care for Evelyn, it’s also a hint that Don might pose a threat to her.
Themes
Evelyn asks Harry why he never tried to make a move on her. She didn’t have feelings for him, but she feels a little offended that he never showed interest. He tells her that she’s not his type, and from the tone of his voice, she knows he means that he’s not interested in girls. She tells him he’s her best friend, and he says she’s his. Don comes over and asks Evelyn for a dance; he tells her he loves everything about her. In that moment, Evelyn feels completely removed from her old life. Don tells her that they’ll rule Hollywood together. Two months after the wedding, he begins to hit her.
Even when Evelyn doesn’t want something—or someone—she wants to know it’s available to her, which is why Harry’s lack of interest is so perplexing. Her ability to gauge his meaning from a subtle comment is a sign that she’s becoming less naïve and more aware of the spectrum of sexuality. Don’s quick shift in behavior emphasizes how fickle happiness can be; it also shows how quickly Evelyn’s circumstances, however comfortable, can change completely.
Themes
