sahilchawla

[sahilchawla]

Statement Of Purpose

Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in popular culture, captivating audiences worldwide with her breathtaking beauty and effervescent charm. However, beneath the dazzling veneer of her stardom lay a complex and troubled inner world, characterized by battles with mental illness, substance abuse, and the relentless glare of the public eye. In this collage essay, I aim to explore the multifaceted portrayal of Marilyn Monroe through the lens of the "Sad Girl'' phenomenon, delving into the intricate interplay between her public persona and private struggles.

At the crux of this exploration lies an examination of how the media's representation of Marilyn Monroe both reinforced and subverted societal expectations of happiness, sadness, and mental health. While her glamorous on-screen presence epitomized the ideals of joy and desirability, her off-screen life was marred by bouts of depression, anxiety, and a relentless pursuit of validation. This dichotomy raises profound questions about the role of fame, public scrutiny, and the commodification of emotion in shaping perceptions of mental health and identity formation.

Through a curated selection of visual texts, archival sources, scholarly articles, and creative works, I endeavor to unveil the nuances of Marilyn Monroe's multifaceted existence. Iconic photographs and film stills will juxtapose her radiant, vivacious public image with moments of vulnerability and introspection, allowing viewers to glimpse the complexities that lurked beneath the surface. Magazine articles, interviews, and biographies will provide insights into her innermost thoughts and emotions, shedding light on the discrepancy between her public persona and private battles.

Furthermore, I will engage with peer-reviewed scholarly works that analyze the construction of Monroe's public image, her struggles with mental illness, and her enduring influence as a cultural icon. These academic sources will offer theoretical frameworks and empirical insights, enriching our understanding of the Sad Girl phenomenon and its broader implications for media representation and mental health discourse.

Complementing these diverse sources, I will incorporate original creative writing and artwork, offering a personal and artistic interpretation of Marilyn Monroe's narrative. Through poetry and mixed media, I aim to evoke the emotional resonance of her journey, inviting viewers to connect with the profound depths of her experience on a visceral level.

By synthesizing these multifaceted elements, this collage essay seeks to challenge conventional narratives and prompt critical reflection on the complexities of fame, mental health, and identity formation. It is my hope that through this exploration, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Sad Girl figure, not merely as a symbol of melancholy, but as a powerful catalyst for understanding the human condition in all its nuances.

Ultimately, this project serves as a tribute to the enduring relevance of Marilyn Monroe's story and its ability to shed light on the intricacies of media portrayal, public scrutiny, and the pursuit of authenticity in an often unforgiving world.