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
An article in the New York Tribune announces Evelyn Hugo’s death at the age of 79 of what’s rumored to be an accidental overdose. The article details Evelyn’s contributions to cancer research, battered women shelters, and LGBTQ+ communities, and predicts that the auction of her gowns will now see skyrocketing bids. It reports that Evelyn left some of her money to the people who worked for her, and the rest to charity.
Instead of focusing solely on Evelyn’s husbands, this obituary highlights the parts of Evelyn’s life that had nothing to do with men. This sets it apart from the relationship-focused tabloid pieces throughout the novel, suggesting that, at least outside of Hollywood, Evelyn was respected and known for more than her relationships.
Themes
