The romantic, erotic Fifty Shades trilogy has captivated the minds and churns the emotions of many. From teens to adults to the elderly, some element of the sensual story seems to fascinate and enthrall us– sex. However, many don’t see what really lies behind the intense sexual interactions and the meaning the tale actually holds. The package comes with the excitement of reading the suggestive language and understanding the plot, but what many really experience is an element of embarrassment, prejudice and judgment by others when sharing their thoughts. Those who solely see the narrative as pornographic, obscene, and vulgar, are not analyzing the story’s meaning.
An innocent, bright young woman, Anastasia Steele, hopes to begin a romantic, emotional, and intellectual relationship. Upon falling in love with the handsome, powerful, and mysterious Christian Grey, she perceives him to be the perfect and ideal man for her. However, she doesn’t only fall in love with his status and gorgeous looks; his intense, ardent, and amorous sexual actions also reel her into his deep loophole. To her dismay, she learns that he holds strict regulations that involve a relationship. As a dominant sadist, Mr. Grey plans to put her through his titillating, alluring, yet painful intercourse. Even though she enjoys the passion in the sex they experience, she has a need to discover his past and reveal his feelings to her. Time and time again, he places thick barriers between Ana and his identity. Although her heart bleeds with pain through her efforts, she persists and perseveres through this endeavor because of her true love for him. As she attempts to compromise and guide him, she changes this man into something he never believed he could become- compassionate, loving, open, and affectionate. Through her work to transform him, she also evolves into a more mature, sophisticated, and powerful woman.
The provocative episodes are only metaphors for the repression Anastasia experiences in her emotional relationship. As for Christian, the dominance he holds over her. Over time, this power struggle becomes more balanced as Ana’s efforts to change him slowly succeed. Anastasia beginning to control the intercourse between them conveys this message. The sexual component of this story was used as a fantasy, that would sugar coat the story’s real meaning and keep the audience riveted. If it weren’t for the sexual elements the story provides, the uniqueness and perplexing nature that encompasses this plot would not exist. It would be just like any other love story, that has been told again and again.
This film unmasks an unknown and extreme world to the eye, but takes us so far into our hearts and emotions. Those who read this novel and obsess endlessly over it, must remain behind the brick wall of taboos in this society. After attempting to discuss the subject with others, I learned it is nearly impossible to eradicate this wall without the debris of shame, embarrassment, and judgment by others accumulating into smaller, more instant hurdles. Teens that follow the narrative find it extremely difficult to converse with their parents and friends about it. Many adolescents keep their thoughts to themselves; many healthy, deep discussions pertaining to the plot do not emerge. Teens who don’t or simply cannot have these conversations with those close to them, miss out on the opportunity to unmask the face of the story and learn the meaning of a true relationship. Personally, I discussed the novel with my mother and we were able to discern several lessons and morals from it. I found this tale profoundly more interesting, emotionally fused, heartfelt, and most importantly, extremely valuable.
The lessons, messages, and morals found in the novel are paramount. Although these lessons are inconspicuous, entangled in the vines of erotic language and seductive portrayals, they are present. Women’s empowerment, relationship management, and gender roles are overwhelming themes of the story. We learn from both characters the wrongs and rights of their actions. In addition, we can further analyze our relationships, ourselves, and the steps we must take to lead happier and more successful lives. All we have to do is dig just a little deeper; we must not judge a book by it’s cover, a person by their appearance, and a narrative’s meaning solely by the way it is conveyed.
The utmost important point the story wants to shine light upon is that to have a wholesome, successful, and happy relationship, we need two shades to be filled completely at each end of the spectrum: That of lust and infatuation, but essentially, of intellectual, emotional, romantic, and compassionate fervor.
