When Norma Jeane was born, her mother was diagnosed as a schizophrenic and hospitalized. Norma was left to live in the Los Angeles Orphans’ Home Society in a variety of orphanages and foster homes (Marilyn Monroe Encyclopedia). Her childhood was full of emotional neglect when she became the victim of sexual abuse at only eight years old. Growing up, Norma’s insecurities forced her to have severe depression. This occurred from the continuous haunting of her mother’s mental illness (Marilyn Monroe St. James Encyclopedia). Though Norma’s childhood struggled, she made an obligation to herself to get through it. In 1942, Norma Jeane married James Dougherty, but he joined the Marines shortly after. She made the decision to go with him, working in a warehouse and living with her mother-and-law. A few years after, a photographer came to the warehouse where she assisted and took pictures of women who were helping in the war. After this experience, Norma was pictured on the cover of Yank Magazine which was published weekly during World War II. Modeling agencies were intrigued with this new female and contacted her. This resulted in Norma wanting to experience a modeling career, although her husband and his mother did not agree. They soon divorced and in 1946, Norma started going by Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe’s upbringing was not related to other famous actresses, but she managed to disreguard her …show more content…
Monroe achieved her goal of fame, making an image that would be remembered for decades. Her unconventional childhood, successful modeling and acting career, and many men in her life were the keys to her success. After living a life she always wanted, the stress caught up to her. This resulted in the use of medication and alcohol to cure the pain. No one exactly knows the circumstances of her death, but it is thought today that it resulted from suicide. Many believe today Marilyn was struggling from self-abuse that no one knew about. Even though her life was cut short, Monroe did exactly what she always imagined, allowing herself to have fame and