Fifty Shades of Grey depicts RAPE and has been criticized by BDSM advocates

[Z_I_Peevey]

214. I can assure you I do.

Last edited Mon Jul 28, 2014, 06:46 AM - Edit history (1)

But you also understand that it is perfectly acceptable to discuss the deeper meanings and issues suggested by literary works, even those works that are badly-written? And you of course no doubt understand, as do I, that every mention of a fictional character need not be preceded by a particular phrase, as in "the fictional characters" Huck Finn, David Copperfield and Woody Woodpecker. Of course you must. You are a writer. You post here. Surely you assume some level of sophistication in your readership, do you not?

Discussion of the themes of any given book takes place in hundreds, perhaps thousands, of book clubs every month. It's fairly common, and it's taking place here, now. I and others--some of whom have read the entire atrocious book, some of whom have read only excerpts, some of whom have read scholarly criticism, and some of whom have chosen to believe trusted critics--believe the book to be a depiction of abuse. You appear to disagree.

We disagree.

I think the traits of fictional characters are germane to any discussion of the fictional works in which they appear. I believe the themes of fictional works are A-OK to discuss. I believe it is my right as a reader and a human being to say what I think about any book, film or fictional character I choose.

Therefore: Christian Grey is an abuser, Humbert is a pedophile, and Bugs Bunny is one funny rabbit.