Death of Marilyn Monroe
Madison Rudolph
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Norma Jeane Mortenson, also known as Marilyn Monroe, was born on June 1, 1926 in the city of Las Angeles (A&E Television Networks, Page #1, 2016). She was in and out of different foster homes throughout her childhood because her mentally ill mother could not care for her. Monroe became an extremely well known actress and was one of the most favored sex symbols in her time. She was found dead on August 5, 1962 in her house in Las Angeles. The thirty-six year old is said to have overdosed on drugs, but there have been rumors stating other causes of her death.
Perspective #1 (Drug Overdose)
Acute barbiturate poisoning is what caused Monroe's death according to Dr. Thomas Noguchi and a deputy medical examiner who performed the autopsy. Although it was titled a "probable suicide," many maintain the belief that she was not suicidal. A prior prosecutor of Las Angeles County, John W. Miner, was convinced until the day he died that Monroe did not kill herself. Tapes that she had recorded of herself when she was alive was his proof of that theory.
Perspective #2 (Murder)
It's been said that Monroe had affairs with both President John F. Kennedy, as well as Robert F. Kennedy. Many believe the Kennedys had a role in her death, but there is no physical proof to back up the theory. However, RFK and Monroe were fighting the day before her body was found because she made him believe she was going to expose her affairs with not only him, but also JFK, his brother. The mafia was also a potential suspect because of the opportunity to frame the Kennedys or murder her for them. An enema was said to have been administered.
Media Bias
After researching the tragic death of Marilyn Monroe, many of the theories seem to be believable and accurate. Marilyn Monroe very well could have committed suicide because it wasn't the only time she had made an attempt, but was rescued the previous times. The pills that she overdosed on were barbiturates, also known as depressants. It was also reported that Monroe had really been suffering a few weeks before she was found dead.
Criticism #1
Historical criticism affects the perception of Monroe's death because during the 1960's, there was not advanced technology and other tools available to perform an accurate investigation. The mystery still remains whether she was murdered, committed suicide, or had an accidental overdose. The investigation process should have went farther until more information was exposed about why and how Marilyn Monroe died at such a young age.
Criticism #2
Marxist criticism also affects the perception of Monroe's death because she had been involved with the Kennedy brothers who were suspected by many people to have killed her, but were not questioned or reported guilty. Some may state that there wasn't proof, but Marilyn and RFK were arguing the previous day and most of the time anybody who had an interaction with the victim recently would be questioned. The brothers were well known and had a high social class, which may have let them off the hook in a way.
History's Mysteries - The Death Of Marilyn Monroe