In the history of the American cinema, few stars are remembered so vividly although they appeared for so briefly as Grace Kelly. Robert Lacey in his bestseller book Grace makes a remark that although famous “American princess” had spent years cultivating her image of classic, white-gloved perfection, in real life, Grace was surprisingly often reckless young woman who had affairs with nearly all of her leading men” (Lacey 1996:i). A working actor for just five short years in the 1950s, known best for her roles as sparkling although moody partner and obviously for her work in multiple Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, Kelly outwardly came to embody her name with a seemingly effortless elegance and an almost unearthly aestheticism.
James Spada, the author of Grace - The Secret Lives of a Princess states that: “the public image of Grace Kelly – first as a movie star, then as a Princess - was a triumph of myth over reality” (Spada 1987: i). And consequently, one can assume, after a thorough research of her biographies that even though the public was presented with an image of a chaste young actress, often referred to as the “Ice Queen” (Ibid.), the truth about her real life is far more interesting and has much more hidden beneath.
In order to see the true Grace Kelly it is indeed necessary to read the opinions of her closest friends and family as quoted in the biographical sources. Without that, the only image one can obtain is that of thousands of Internet pages dully repeating the same statements about her being pretty and talented, reporting her fairy-tale life and quoting stereotypical phrases.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: The public image of Grace Kelly
- 1.1. The film Ice Queen
- Chapter 2: Her Serene Highness Princess Grace
- 2.1. "The Wedding of the Century"
- 2.2. The Real Grace Kelly
- 2.2.1. Grace Kelly – a Wife, a Mother-to-be
- Chapter 3: Grace - The Heart of Monaco
- 3.1. Monegasque Red Cross under Grace's Auspices
- 3.1.1. Annual Red Cross Ball
- 3.1.2. “She brought us heart”
- 3.2. A.M.A.D.E.
- 3.3. The Princess Grace Foundation
- Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the multifaceted life of Grace Kelly, moving beyond the idealized public image to uncover the complexities of her personality and experiences. It investigates her journey from Hollywood star to Princess of Monaco, examining the motivations behind her choices and the realities of her life beyond the fairy-tale narrative.
- The contrast between Grace Kelly's public image and her private life.
- The impact of her Hollywood career on her later life as a princess.
- Her personal relationships and her search for love and fulfillment.
- Her contributions to Monaco and her philanthropic work.
- The complexities of navigating fame and royalty.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: The public image of Grace Kelly: This chapter delves into the carefully constructed public persona of Grace Kelly, examining how her image as a cool, elegant, and aristocratic figure was cultivated throughout her career. It explores her early roles and how they contributed to this image, juxtaposing this polished exterior with glimpses into the ambition and determination that drove her success. The chapter also touches upon the conflicting narratives surrounding her early career, including discussions about the potential influence of nepotism and her own relentless drive to succeed.
Chapter 2: Her Serene Highness Princess Grace: This chapter analyzes the pivotal moment in Grace Kelly's life – her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. It investigates the media frenzy surrounding the "Wedding of the Century" and unpacks the societal expectations and pressures surrounding this union. The chapter also delves into the real Grace Kelly, moving beyond the fairytale narrative to explore the complexities of her relationship with the Prince and her adaptation to life as a princess. The sub-sections explore the pressures of motherhood and her evolving role within the Monegasque monarchy, providing context for her later life and choices.
Chapter 3: Grace - The Heart of Monaco: This chapter focuses on Grace Kelly's lasting contributions to Monaco. It highlights her involvement with the Monegasque Red Cross and her establishment of the Princess Grace Foundation, showcasing her dedication to philanthropy and her impact on the social fabric of the principality. Through various examples, including her work with the Red Cross and her commitment to the A.M.A.D.E. foundation, this section depicts a private Grace, actively involved in improving the lives of others, showing the other side of her glamorous image.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Grace Kelly, Hollywood, Princess of Monaco, public image, private life, marriage, Prince Rainier III, philanthropy, Monegasque Red Cross, Princess Grace Foundation, fame, royalty, ambition, legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Multifaceted Portrait of Grace Kelly
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper exploring the multifaceted life of Grace Kelly. It goes beyond the idealized public image to examine the complexities of her personality, experiences, and choices, from her Hollywood career to her life as Princess of Monaco. The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main sections of the paper previewed in this document?
The document includes an Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents), outlining the structure of the paper. It then details the Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes), summarizing the paper's aims and key areas of focus. A Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries) section provides a synopsis of each chapter, and finally, a list of Schlüsselwörter (Keywords) is included for easy reference.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the contrast between Grace Kelly's public image and her private life; the impact of her Hollywood career on her later life as a princess; her personal relationships and her search for love and fulfillment; her contributions to Monaco and her philanthropic work; and the complexities of navigating fame and royalty.
What does Chapter 1 focus on?
Chapter 1, "The public image of Grace Kelly," delves into the carefully constructed public persona of Grace Kelly, examining how her image was cultivated throughout her career. It explores her early roles and juxtaposes this polished exterior with her ambition and determination. It also touches upon conflicting narratives surrounding her early career.
What is the main subject of Chapter 2?
Chapter 2, "Her Serene Highness Princess Grace," analyzes Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Rainier III, the media frenzy surrounding the "Wedding of the Century," and the societal expectations and pressures surrounding this union. It explores the complexities of her relationship with the Prince and her adaptation to life as a princess, including the pressures of motherhood.
What does Chapter 3 cover?
Chapter 3, "Grace - The Heart of Monaco," focuses on Grace Kelly's lasting contributions to Monaco. It highlights her involvement with the Monegasque Red Cross and the Princess Grace Foundation, showcasing her dedication to philanthropy and its impact on the principality. It demonstrates her active involvement in improving the lives of others.
What keywords are used to describe the paper's content?
Keywords include: Grace Kelly, Hollywood, Princess of Monaco, public image, private life, marriage, Prince Rainier III, philanthropy, Monegasque Red Cross, Princess Grace Foundation, fame, royalty, ambition, legacy.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to move beyond the idealized public image of Grace Kelly to uncover the complexities of her personality and experiences, investigating her journey from Hollywood star to Princess of Monaco and examining the motivations behind her choices and the realities of her life.
- Quote paper
- Marta Zapała-Kraj (Author), 2014, Grace Kelly. Not A Fairytale Life, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/288320