Fifty Shades of Grey

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Chapters 9-16

Chapters 17-26

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Why is the book titled Fifty Shades of Grey? How does James use the color gray to develop Christian Grey’s character? How does his characterization inform the plot and his relationship with Ana?

How does BDSM represent Ana’s struggle to mediate her fear of pain and her desire to feel alive? In what other ways does Ana experience conflict between pain and pleasure or fear and excitement? How do these tensions contribute to her character growth and development?

Fifty Shades of Grey sold millions of copies even though the book has received substantial criticism for several reasons. What is it about the book that’s made it so popular, especially among women?