Episode 136 -- Marilyn Monroe

For this episode, Moira guides Adrian through the life, career and legacy of Marilyn Monroe, and the role gender played in all three. Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles on June 1, 1926 -- so her centennial is coming up in a few weeks. We touch on Monroe's suffering, her canny manipulation of her own image, and the political dimension of her public persona.

Here are some of the books and articles we refer to in the episode:

Joyce Carol Oates, "Blonde"

Norman Mailer, "Marilyn, A Biography" (NOT an endorsement)

Gloria Steinem, Marilyn Monroe: Norma Jeane

Jaqueline Rose, Women in Dark Times

Lois Banner, "Marilyn Monroe: proto-feminist?"