Simulacra and Sexuality: Unveiling Queer Identity in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Abstract (English)

This paper examines the portrayal of queer identity and celebrity culture in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo through the theoretical framework of Jean Baudrillard’s concept of simulacra. Set against the backdrop of mid-twentieth century Hollywood, the novel follows Evelyn Hugo, a bisexual actress who fabricates a glamorous public persona to align with the strict heteronormative standards of the film industry. Through a series of highly publicized marriages and carefully controlled media appearances, Evelyn constructs a narrative that conceals her true sexual identity and her deep romantic relationship with Celia St. James, her lifelong love. By applying postmodernist theory, particularly Baudrillard’s notions of simulation and hyperreality, this study explores how Evelyn’s carefully crafted image evolves into a simulacrum, an imitation that replaces the reality of her authentic self and becomes her dominant identity in the public eye. The paper also draws on queer theory to analyze how the novel portrays the suppression, marginalization, and commodification of queer identities within a cultural system that privileges heterosexuality, gender norms, and conformity. The analysis reveals how Evelyn’s life story becomes a powerful commentary on the ways personal identities are shaped, manipulated, and often sacrificed under the intense pressures of fame, societal expectations, and media spectacle. The novel critiques Hollywood’s relentless construction of idealized and sanitized images, exposing the emotional and psychological costs placed on individuals who must continuously perform a false identity to maintain public favor and professional success. By focusing on Evelyn’s existence as both a private individual and a carefully constructed icon, the paper highlights the deep conflicts, vulnerabilities, and resilience of those whose true selves are obscured by the demands of celebrity culture. The study offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between sexuality, media representation, and identity formation, showing how cultural forces can distort and reshape personal truth in contemporary literature.