The Representation of Masculinity in E.L James’s Fifty Shades Trilogy

Abstract

This research analyzes the representation of masculinity in E.L James Fifty Shades Trilogy. Christian Grey is a controlling and sadistic man. He uses his power to control everything. It includes family, business, lifestyle, and sexual activity. He wants to keep them safe by using his power. He protects everything in detail. Grey has bad memory of his childhood. His mother was a prostitute. His mother always hits by the pimp and get raped after he got some punishments from the pimp. This trade has influenced Grey‘s behavior in the future. The way he treats his girlfriends is like the pimp treats his mom. He thinks that by giving some whips, he will get a pleasure concerning his sexual activity and he becomes a part of Bondage, Dominant, Sadomasochism and Masochism (BDSM) participants. BDSM is a kind of dangerous depiction about sexuality through the giving and receiving the pain toward dominant and submissive. The representation theory by Stuart Hall and the concept of hegemonic masculinity by Connell as supporting theory are appropriate to analyze the discourse of masculinity problem experienced by the main character.