Fifty Shades Darker

Elena began grooming Christian when he was 15. How does this relationship inform Christian’s approach to relationships as an adult? How does this relate to the novel’s central themes?

Christian deposits money into Ana’s account on two separate occasions, but Ana’s reaction to each is markedly different. How does Ana’s relationship to Christian’s wealth change over the course of the novel? How does this change illuminate the theme of Power Dynamics and Control?

How much of what James writes as consensual in the novel depends on context, age, and gender? Where is consent shown to be important and where is consent commonly violated?

Christian’s childhood neglect informs his present relationship with abandonment, food, and intimacy. How do these issues inform his relationship with Ana?

Jack and Leila are foils for Christian and Ana. Which characteristics do Leila and Jack serve to highlight and how do these characteristics support the main themes of the novel?

How do Christian’s other relationships influence his relationship with Ana? Consider Leila, Elena, Grace, and Mia.

As the second book in a trilogy, what makes this installment Darker? Does the adjective refer to Christian, Ana and Christian’s relationship, or something else? How does the text support that assertion?

Is Ana truly empowered, or is she fooling herself into thinking she has autonomy? Anchor your answer to the concept of consent and how it functions within the novel.