ABSTRACT

In this chapter a poly gaze is adapted to analyze contemporary biographies of historical figures who rejected monogamous coupling as a political decision. Findings show that contemporary biographers often rely on psychological explanations for their subjects’ relationship experiences, thereby glossing or ignoring the political and sociological significance of living a poly life. Others, in contrast, contextualize poly lives within the broader political commitments of their subjects. In-depth analyses are provided of The Secret History of Wonder Woman, Love, Anarchy, and Emma Goldman: A Biography, and E.E. Cummings: A Life as mononormative narratives, and Warrior Poet: A Biography of Audre Lorde and Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay as examples of poly narratives.