Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

The chapter opens with a repeated warning that communication is essential to SM and that through that communication, all fantasies can be played out safely and effectively. To illustrate the point, the authors use a story to follow an SM scene from beginning to end. In the story, the dominant, Mark, is controlling a new submissive, Terry. He promises to begin slowly. Terry recalls her past experiences with men who were abusive in her search for a proper partner. She is happy to have found Mark, a competent, kind, considerate dominant.

He tells her if things get out of hand and she wants to stop, she should say her full name. Mark makes sure Terry understands this concept of a 'safe word.' When she assures him she does, he gently moves his hands over her body, telling her to remain...