William Moulton Marston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Moulton Marston
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William Moulton Marston in 1938
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| Born | May 9, 1893 Saugus, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | May 2, 1947 (aged 53) Rye, New York, U.S.
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| Other names | Charles Moulton |
| Education | Harvard University (AB, LLB, PhD) |
| Occupation | Psychologist Inventor Writer |
| Employer | American University Tufts University |
| Known for | Systolic blood-pressure test, Self-help writer, Advocate for women's potential, Creator of Wonder Woman, Important contributor to DISC |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Holloway Marston (m. 1915; his death 1947) |
| Partner(s) | Olive Byrne (1925; his death 1947) |
| Children | 4 |
William Moulton Marston (born May 9, 1893 – died May 2, 1947) was an American psychologist and inventor. He was also known by his pen name Charles Moulton. With his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, he helped create an early version of the polygraph, often called a "lie detector."
Marston was also a writer of self-help books and comic books. He is most famous for creating the superhero character Wonder Woman. In 2006, he was added to the Comic Book Hall of Fame for his contributions.
Contents
About William Marston
Early Life and Education
William Moulton Marston was born in Saugus, Massachusetts. He went to Harvard University, a famous school. He earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Arts in 1915 and a PhD in Psychology in 1921.
While still a student, Marston sold his first story, called The Thief, to a filmmaker in 1913. After finishing school, he taught at American University and Tufts University. Later, he worked in California at Universal Studios and taught at the University of Southern California.
Marston had four children. Two children were with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and two were with his partner, Olive Byrne. Elizabeth worked to support the family, while Olive stayed home to care for all four children.
Psychologist and Inventor
Marston developed the systolic blood pressure test. This test measures changes in blood pressure. It became an important part of the modern polygraph, which was invented by John Augustus Larson.
Marston's wife, Elizabeth, noticed a link between feelings and blood pressure. She observed that her blood pressure seemed to go up when she was angry or excited. This idea helped William with his research.
Marston believed that women were often more honest than men in certain situations. He also thought women could work faster and more accurately. Throughout his life, Marston supported the abilities and causes of women.
He also wrote books about psychology for the general public. One of his books, Emotions of Normal People (1928), talked about the DISC Theory. This theory describes how people behave based on their environment.
Marston suggested that people act in four main ways:
- Dominance: Being active when facing challenges.
- Inducement: Being active in a good environment.
- Submission: Being passive in a good environment.
- Compliance: Being passive when facing challenges.
Wonder Woman
Creating a Heroine
In 1940, an interview with Marston was published in The Family Circle magazine. In it, he said that comic books had "great educational potential." This caught the eye of Max Gaines, a comic book publisher. Gaines hired Marston to advise his companies, which later became part of DC Comics.
In the early 1940s, most DC Comics heroes were men, like Superman and Batman. Marston's wife, Elizabeth, had the idea to create a female superhero. Marston wanted a hero who would win with love, not just fighting. Elizabeth agreed, saying, "but make her a woman."
Marston presented his idea to Max Gaines. With Gaines's approval, Marston created Wonder Woman. He based her character on the strong, independent women of his time. Marston used the pen name Charles Moulton, combining his middle name with Gaines's.
In 1943, Marston wrote that girls needed a strong female role model. He believed that if the main female characters lacked strength, girls wouldn't want to be "tender, submissive, peace-loving." He wanted to create a female character with "all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman."
Many of Marston's personal papers are now kept at Harvard University. They help tell the story behind Wonder Woman, including his life with Elizabeth Marston and Olive Byrne.
Developing the Character
Wonder Woman was an Amazon from an all-female utopia. She became a U.S. government agent who fought crime. She used her super strength, speed, and a magic lasso that made villains tell the truth. Some people believe her look was partly based on Olive Byrne. Her heavy bracelets, which she used to block bullets, were inspired by bracelets Olive wore.
The character first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in December 1941. Her original name, "Suprema, the Wonder Woman," was shortened to just "Wonder Woman." This was a popular term for very talented women at the time. She then appeared in Sensation Comics #1 in January 1942, and her own comic, Wonder Woman #1, debuted six months later. The series has been published almost continuously ever since.
Marston wrote the early stories, and Harry Peter drew the pictures. Marston spent the last six years of his life writing for his comic creation.
Death and Legacy
William Moulton Marston passed away from cancer on May 2, 1947. He was 53 years old. After his death, Elizabeth and Olive continued to live together for many years.
In 1985, DC Comics honored Marston in their 50th-anniversary book, Fifty Who Made DC Great. His work on the polygraph was featured in a documentary film called The Lie Detector in 2023.
In Film
Marston's life story is shown in the 2017 movie Professor Marston and the Wonder Women. The film also features Elizabeth Holloway Marston, Olive Byrne, and how Wonder Woman was created. The actor Luke Evans plays William Marston in the movie.
See also
- Hugo Münsterberg, Marston's academic advisor
