The Evolution Of Edward Russet In Jasper Fforde's Shades Of Grey

The Evolution Of Edward Russet Often, when people have never experienced something before, they become fascinated with it when they do. In Jasper Fforde’s novel Shades of Grey, Edward Russet has never experienced anything like Jane before. While it is her red hair that initially attracts Eddie, Jane’s brashness and disregard for the rules is what truly captivates him. The first thing Jane says to him is “Touch me again and I’ll break your fucking jaw” (22). Eddie has never met anyone who is so indifferent towards the rules and the word of Munsel.
It is unthinkable to show such disrespect- especially to someone up-Spectrum. In addition, the use of a threat of physical violence and one of the “Very Bad Words” is highly demerritable. When Eddie meets Jane he is flabbergasted by her

In the beginning of Jasper Fforde’s Shades of Grey, Eddie is clearly concerned about his social standing in addition to staying out of trouble and within the rules presented by Munsel. Within three days, Eddie has matured and grown exponentially. “...loss most certainly did frighten me. Loss of my father, loss of Jane, but most of all, loss of my potential obligation. Not my chromatic obligation, you understand, but the loss of my obligation to real truth and justice, deeper and more powerful than I would find in a thousand Rulebooks” (361). Eddie understands that everyone is equal regardless of color or perception. Jane’s brash nature and red hair draw Eddie in and jumpstart his fascination with her. She educates Eddie about the degrading nature of classicism and the evil that the Collective has done. Eddie’s feelings for Jane make her lessons even more important to him. While their complementary hues mean that they can not be together, it will not keep them from working to take down the