Marilyn Monroe: American Sex Symbol

Marilyn Monroe was a woman who lived and thrived under the spotlight. Monroe has been immortalized in her words; she is quoted at one time saying, “I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best”. An American Icon is someone whose works, life, and message withstand the test of time. In order to understand Marilyn Monroe’s impact as America’s sex symbol one must have an explanation of her background, an overview of her career as an actress, and an analysis of her critic’s reviews.

Marilyn Monroe was born as Norma Jeane Mortensen on june 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California (“Marilyn Monroe Biography” 1). Norma Jeane was born into unfortunate circumstances, because her mother struggled with mental illness and she never knew her father (Haas 2). Monroe's early childhood was full of "traumatic" experiences which could justify her dependence on psychoanalysis as an adult. It is rumored that Monroe's earliest memory was of her mother attempting to smother her with a pillow. Growing up, Monroe spent much of her time in foster care and in an orphanage (“Marilyn Monroe Biography” 2). Monroe was deeply affected by the lack of stability in her childhood. Monroe never felt she belonged anywhere and she was sexually assaulted as a young girl (“Biography” 1). It can be inferred that Monroe’s feelings of abandonment and her negative encounters with men during her youth led to her desperate thirst for the spotlight and her modern sense of sexuality. Although she attended Van Nuys High School, sixteen year old Monroe dropped out to marry James Edward Daughtery, an aircraft production worker ...

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... sexuality, her confidence to speak her mind, and her desire for knowledge. Marilyn Monroe was a positive influence on women and men alike and is still relevant today.

To understand Marilyn Monroe’s impact as America’s sex symbol one must know where she came from and what events shaped her, read critical reviews of her career as an actress, and she the impact she has had on women. Marilyn Monroe is a legend; her popularity has far surpassed her lifespan. The blonde bombshell has been immortalized in the minds and heart of all who hear about, read of, or watch her. She lived each day full of emotion, smiles, tears, and all. Marilyn Monroe brought women together for their common defense all the while pleasing men with her love and smiles. Marilyn Monroe embodied the term “American Icon” and is still a relevant hollywood star today fifty-one years after her death.