Where Does Fifty Shades Of Grey Take Place
Let's talk Fifty Shades of Grey. You know, the books? The movies?
We all have opinions. Some love it, some...don't. But let’s get one thing straight.
The Obvious Answer
Everyone knows it's set in Seattle, Washington. Right? Grey Enterprises Holdings is there. Christian's swanky penthouse overlooks the city. Ana goes to Washington State University (nearby, anyway).
Must Read
It's splashed all over the books and movies. Seattle is practically a character. But is it really Seattle?
Hear Me Out...
Okay, unpopular opinion time. Maybe, just maybe, it's not really about Seattle.
Think about it. Could it be Anytown, USA? Replace the Space Needle with… well, anything tall. A generic skyscraper, maybe?
Suddenly, the setting becomes less specific. It's just "a big city".
Exhibit A: Generic Luxury
Christian's lifestyle. Is it particularly Seattle? The private helicopter. The fancy cars. The designer clothes.
These things exist everywhere! Rich people exist everywhere! Does his wealth screams "Seattle"?
No, it screams "I have lots of money," which, admittedly, many people in Seattle do.
Exhibit B: The Weather
Seattle is known for rain. Grey skies. A certain moody atmosphere. Does that come across in the books?
Barely! I imagined sunshine way more often! This could be my imagination of course.
Where's the constant drizzle? Where is the need for waterproof coat?
Exhibit C: The People
Are the characters particularly Seattle-ish? Ana is naive and bookish. Christian is controlling and rich.
These aren't exactly archetypes unique to Washington state! I see them everywhere in the books and movies!
They are people you can find in any city. Any. Single. City.
So, Where Does It Take Place?
Here's my truly groundbreaking theory. Fifty Shades takes place in...a wealthy fantasy world. A place where billionaires are brooding and available.
A place where women are naive and easily swept off their feet.
A world where red rooms of pain exist, but consequences are minimal. It's a fun fantasy land.
The Verdict
Sure, the book says it's Seattle. But our imaginations can change things.
Maybe Fifty Shades is a choose-your-own-adventure city. You get to pick where it happens. Is the character really Christian Grey?
So, next time you read it, imagine it somewhere else! Maybe your hometown! Maybe Paris! The options are endless!
After all, isn't that part of the fun? Now that I think about it, what IS Seattle known for?
Coffee. Grunge. And, uh...apparently, billionaires with complicated desires. Huh. Maybe it is Seattle.
Nah, I'm sticking to my story. It's fantasy!
Anyways, what do you think? Am I crazy? Or are you secretly agreeing with me?
Let's discuss! But, please, be nice. This is just my (potentially wrong) opinion!
