Yes, I succumbed to the raving reviews of society and read the book. Is it on the literature analysis list? Not exactly. But I do feel it deserves more of an analysis than being assumed to be "porn for older women" (though when I saw the movie there were a couple of women upwards of seventy years old occupying the rows behind me). Which brings me to another point: do NOT judge the book based off of the movie. Everyone knows that the books are almost always 10x better than the movie, which would only make sense seeing as it's easier to capture the important elements of a story in 356 pages rather than a mere 125 minutes.
1. The story begins in Seattle, Washington with a young Miss Anastasia Steele interviewing the slightly older, much more successful, Mr. Christian Grey. This event only occurs due to the fact that Ana's roommate and best friend, Kate, has fallen ill and can't do the interview herself and suckers Ana into doing it for her. The simple meeting between Ana and Christian sparks the exposition of the story: Ana is immediately captivated by Christian and wants to be with him in the most simple, romantic of ways, while Christian is captivated by Ana but has a slightly more twisted idea of "romance": one that involves him controlling Ana and being "Dominant" over her while she submits to him. The plot thickens when the two begin to see each other on a regular basis, forming a more intimate and committed relationship, the rising action of the story. While their romance and dominant/submissive antics continue, the two find themselves changing to fit the others wants and desires. The climax of the story is when Ana finally agrees to be Christian's "sub" in their relationship, though that is hardly the basis of their romance anymore. Once she verbally agrees to try his "twisted romance," the pair's bond increases significantly, yet Ana is still not fully satisfied since she cannot get Christian to tell her why he is the way he is. The falling action comes when Ana pushes Christian's boundaries too far, and Christian likewise pushes back, forcing Ana past her breaking point. All along Ana knew the relationship was toxic and not right for her, but this is the point in the story where she finally acts on it and leaves Christian. The resolution consists of Ana going back to her own apartment, trying to leave all memories of Christian in the past.
2. The novel can be looked at in different lights. One might claim that the theme of the novel is that the right love can heal even the darkest past, or that sometimes we change who we are for the ones that we love. Both Christian and Ana find themselves changing to fit the others desires, and though the end of the novel shows that the two didn't work, that is not necessarily a permanent case. Ana's love for Christian did help him heal and grow, giving her more "love" than what he thought he was capable of.
3. The author's tone is mostly one of confident curiosity and growth. Throughout the story, the first-person account of Anastasia Steele depicts that she knows what she wants in life and is willing to push limits to get it. She holds herself very highly, never getting into a relationship until Christian came along because she simply saw all male suitors as "good friends." For instance, Ana never does anything that she doesn't at least somewhat want to. Though she is thought to be the "submissive" counterpart to Christian, he and she both know that Ana is the one who is really in control of how their relationship progresses.
4. All throughout the novel, E.L. James is constantly using very descriptive language to convey mood, tone, etc. For example, in page 10 of the novel it says, "His voice is warm, possibly amused, but it’s difficult to tell from his impassive expression." From the descriptive words of warm, amused, and impassive we are able to develop an idea on the character she is describing. The author also uses juxtaposition and contrast to show the differences between not only characters but settings as well. For example, "Everything else is white – ceiling, floors, and walls except, on the wall by the door, where a mosaic of small paintings hang, thirty-six of them arranged in a square." Symbolism is also prevalent throughout the story, especially in the color grey. Whenever Christian becomes extremely passionate, there is often a reference to the grey color of his eyes, "His eyes are a scorching gray, intense." This is symbolic of his desire for Anastasia. Since Anastasia is an English major, it is only right that E.L. James included allusions to past English classics, such as a gift of the books of Tess of the D’Urbervilles from Christian to Ana. Along with the books, the author also includes quotes from said books: "Why didn't you tell me there was danger? Why didn't you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks..." The quotes from Ana's favorite books seem to foreshadow Ana and Christian's future relationship.
CHARACTERIZATION:
1. Two examples of direct characterization are: "So young – and attractive, very attractive. He’s tall, dressed in a fine gray suit, white shirt, and black tie with unruly dark copper colored hair and intense, bright gray eyes that regard me shrewdly." and, "He smiles, revealing perfect white teeth. I stop breathing. He really is beautiful. No one should be this good-looking." Both of these instances of direct characterization are used to emphasize just how dazzling Christian Grey is, especially to Ana. Two examples of indirect characterization are: "He raises an eyebrow at me. I flush." and, "He smiles, but the smile doesn’t touch his eyes." This shows the effect that Christian has on Ana, able to give her a simple gesture that makes her swoon. The second example shows that Christian may be hiding something, foreshadowing that he is not as confident and happy as he seems on the surface.
2. The author's diction is more intense when honed in on Christian Grey and more weary when focusing on Ana. This is for the purpose of giving them the fitting characteristics of dominant/submissive.
3. Anastasia is definitely a dynamic character. At the beginning of the novel she is a shy, reserved college student in a small town who has never been in a relationship whereas at the end of the novel, she is very sure of herself and has been in a very committed relationship and knows more about what she wants in life. She also has graduated college and moved to a big city, representing her big jump to adulthood. This is what also makes her a round character, because of her constant changes and growth.
4. I came away from the novel feeling like I had encountered a real life couple undergoing the trials of life and relationships. The chemistry between the two, though it was only words on paper, felt real and dynamic.
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