Nobel laureate Anne Carson has woven Marilyn Monroe and Helen of Troy together.

Canadian poet, essayist, and translator Anne Carson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2026. She received this honor in recognition of her creation of new forms in contemporary literature through a creative dialogue with classical literature and mythology. A distinctive feature of her work is how she juxtaposes characters from ancient Greek mythology with the experiences of modern-day people. A notable example of this is *Norma Jeane Baker of Troy*, a work that brings together Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe and Helen of Troy from Greek mythology.

Much has been written about Marilyn Monroe. Countless books, films, and research studies have explored the life, beauty, romances, loneliness, and mysterious death of this legendary star from Hollywood's Golden Age. Yet, when a writer places her in the same narrative as a woman from Greek mythology dating back nearly three thousand years, even a familiar story takes on new meaning.
It is through this specific work that Carson establishes a connection between Marilyn Monroe and Helen of Troy. Although they belong to different eras and possess distinct lives and identities, the author identifies parallels in the public fascination, imagination, and beauty-centric perspectives surrounding both women.

Helen of Troy and Marilyn: Individuality Beyond Beauty
In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy is renowned as the most beautiful woman in the world; the story of the Trojan War revolves around her beauty. Marilyn Monroe, on the other hand, was one of the most talked-about stars of twentieth-century Hollywood, achieving global fame through her alluring screen persona.
However, in Carson’s view, the connection between these two women extends far beyond mere beauty. Often, their allure in the eyes of others overshadowed their true selves, feelings, and lived experiences. Carson’s writing raises fundamental questions about how women are perceived in a patriarchal society, who tells their stories, and how those narratives shape their identities.

What is *Norma Jeane Baker of Troy* about? "Norma Jeane Baker of Troy" premiered in 2019 at The Shed’s Griffin Theater in New York. It is a unique theatrical work by Anne Carson that reimagines the stories of Helen of Troy and Marilyn Monroe through a blend of spoken word and music.
Norma Jeane Baker was Marilyn’s birth name; Carson crafted the title by combining this name with that of Helen of Troy. The production starred Ben Whishaw and soprano Renée Fleming, with direction by Katie Mitchell.

The work is distinguished by the fact that it is not merely a comparative study of two famous beauties; rather, it invites a re-examination of conventional narratives regarding women's lives and identities. By juxtaposing figures from history, mythology, and popular culture, Carson demonstrates that while times change, certain questions persist regarding society's perspective on women.

Why is classical literature so significant in Anne Carson’s writing?
Anne Carson’s literary world is deeply rooted in ancient Greek literature, mythology, and history. However, she does not view classical literature merely as relics of the past; instead, she fosters a dialogue between these ancient works and contemporary experiences. Her writing is also characterized by a tendency to break down the traditional boundaries between poetry, prose, drama, and translation.
Her widely acclaimed works include *Eros the Bittersweet*, *Autobiography of Red*, and *Men in the Off Hours*. Her writing explores the complexities of language, love, desire, memory, and human experience alongside the influence of ancient Greek literature.
In announcing the 2026 Nobel Prize, the Swedish Academy highlighted Carson’s bold and innovative literary work. Her creative dialogue with the classical tradition has forged new forms in contemporary literature—a contribution that serves as the foundation for her Nobel Prize win. By bringing Marilyn Monroe and Helen of Troy into the same literary sphere, Carson raises questions that extend far beyond their beauty or fame. *Norma Jeane Baker of Troy* brings to the fore questions regarding who controls the narrative when a story is crafted about a woman, and to what extent her own voice is heard within that story.