Thursday 6 June 2013

How Fifty Shades Got Its Acclaim

By Michelle Acton


The complex relationship of Anastasia and Christian in the acclaimed Fifty Shades of Grey novel has captured the world like no other fiction to date - including Harry Potter, which it has surpassed to become the fastest selling paperback of all time. The torrid story of lust saturated with erotic scenes and intimate attention to detail has got women everywhere opening up more with their sexuality and made the sometimes-taboo topic of sex an open and appropriate one to discuss over coffee or brunch with friends.

There's no disputing the fact that the unique story line and themes that run throughout the novel have captivated audiences in a way like no other. It's interesting therefore to look at these and attempt to analyse just why it's been so universally popular and what the effects have been.

The story is focused around a relationship, an unusual relationship devoid of deep love and emotion, a relationship bound by physical contracts and one that is purely sexual. Critics haven't been too impressed with the quality of the prose citing this as below par and far from outstanding, however available to buy online there aren't many out there that haven't taken at least a curious glance at some of the most infamous scenes within. We won't be spoilers and mention how the story ends but Fifty Shades of Grey is a) far from the norm, b) graphically detailed and c) undoubtedly captivating.

As discussed above this book has had an enormous affect on human minds everywhere. One of the main effects culturally is an opening up of society who appear far less inhibitive when discussion their private lives and fantasies. Perhaps this then - is where the magic lies, in lifting the taboo previously placed on sex.

The recorded and anecdotal reports are that the novel has had a far more pronounced effect on the female proportion of the population than the male! Women previously unaware have been introduced to fantasy worlds of seduction and power and judging by the public reaction, they love it! Whether it's from a sense of empowerment, an enjoyment of something new or simply a damn good read women everywhere are feeling a little more adventurous than usual! Another rather more obvious effect has been a huge surge in the sale of erotic toys from all the high street and online stores as women and couples everywhere look to lift the fantasy from the pages.

With regards to the positive nature of the above mentioned effects of the book for all those sellers of erotic toys, in particular sex toys and vibrators directed at females one obvious business benefit to mention is an increase in their sales and bank accounts! Culturally though a renewed openness to talk about sex and a prevalence of both the book and related erotic toys into the mainstream advertising and entertainment industries has taken place - and we're not complaining!

Every decade or so an alteration or change in a worldwide trend is borne out of something small that takes off spectacularly; Fifty Shades of Grey is a prime example of this. The most recent example prior to this in terms of literature was the Harry Potter series; other examples of this in modern times include the 2012 Olympic Games in London which inspired a transition for females from skinny to strong and a resurgence of sixties type attire in the fashion that came around at the start of 2013. So - have you read the book yet? What do you think?




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