Dr. William Moulton Marston was an inventor, a psychologist, and a writer. His most famous creations are the blood pressure components in the modern lie detector (polygraph), and Wonder Woman. Not surprising that one of the creators of the lie detector had his other creation wield a lasso of truth.
Possibly as interesting as the character herself, were the two women that influenced her creation. Marston used both his wife, Elizabeth, and his girlfriend Olive as templates for the iconic hero. Most would think that this would’ve put Marston in hot water at home, however, the three were in a polyamorous or extended relationship.
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Elizabeth Holloway Marston was a wife, psychologist, partner, and collaborator to her husband William. Ever the career woman, she earned three degrees in her life, in a time when it was rare for a woman to receive any at all. She was the heart and attitude of Wonder Woman, while her physical appearance and bracelets were inspired by Olive Byrne.
So how did it work? It seems like it would make for difficult waters to navigate, but from everything that I can read it worked swimmingly. Amicable would be a ridiculous term to describe how Elizabeth and Olive got along. The three lived together, loved together and raised their children together. William fathered 4 children, two from each lady.
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William and Elizabeth legally adopted both of William and Olive’s children. Elizabeth even named her daughter Olive after her husband’s lover. When William was out of work and after he died, Elizabeth went on working while Olive stayed home to raise the children. She even financed all four children’s college educations.
Being in an odd relationship and living situation, the Marston’s would tell anyone who asked, that Olive was Elizabeth’s widowed sister. After William’s death in 1947, Elizabeth continued to support Olive until her death in the 1980’s. There you have it, a successful ménage à trois, and proof positive that there is no such thing as normal.
