The Twilight Mystique: Critical Essays on the Novels and Films

Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy #25

by Amy M. Clarke (Editor), Donald E. Palumbo (Series Editor), Marijane Osborn (Editor)

The 13 essays in this volume explore Stephenie Meyer's wildly popular Twilight series in the contexts of literature, religion, fairy tales, film, and the gothic. Several examine Meyer's emphasis on abstinence, considering how, why, and if the author's Mormon faith has influenced the series' worldview. Others look at fan involvement in the Twilight world, focusing on how the series' avid following has led to an economic transformation in Forks, Washington, the real town where the fictional series is set. Other topics include Meyer's use of Quileute shape-shifting legends, Twilight's literary heritage and its frequent references to classic works of literature, and the series' controversial depictions of femininity.

Genres: Nonfiction

247 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2010

Reviews

[Mell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some thought-provoking essays, examining topics like religious symbolism, gender roles, the history of Forks, and the trend of vampires as sexy and attractive. The short pieces are very readable; I have read other books/essays that get very academic. I think this was published with Twilight readers (who want to thoughtfully examine the books and not just gush) in mind. The essays do have valid critical points about the books and characters, but aren't attacks on Meyer or her work.

[Lillzebub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to see the cultural phenomenon of the Twilight series discussed at length, dissected, deepened. While not 'high brow' by any means, the pleasure many derive from the books and movies teems with possible sources of inquiry--from psychological, religious, literary, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. Twilight for me is a cultural artifact and indulgence, and the final essay in this collection states why best.

Based off of Derrida's ideas about 'supplementation' and Gerard Genette's 'transtextuality,' the initial text of Twilight plus all of its additional parts and adaptations form a vast, unattainable signifier: 'The Twilight.' Readers continue to build up the signifier, deferring meaning, and essentially embarking upon an endless search for a finite end or closure that would satisfy the desire to know, to 'finish' the story. However, the unique pleasure of the infinite search--that multiplies, confuses, creates possibilities rather than extinguishes them--explains why Twilight is for some so addictive and ultimately more full for what it lacks.

[Margery Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

despite the scholarly citations and language this didnt really introduce any ideas i didnt already have.

btw i think edward's skin was sparkly to suggest god-like being. if you put that cut on it, the abstinence is to protect *his* racial purity. just say'n. try going full Nietzsche. maybe carlisle's project is to engineer a pure race of 'supermen'. ie Carlisle as a Dr Frankenstein or as a priest on a purification of the race quest. anyhow back to the god-like aspects of Edward. If you go with that, the Edward/Bella thing could become a Jesus/Mary Magdalene parable

[Elvira · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of essays that range from the critical to the apologetic in terms of the merits of the Twilight Series. I found it interesting that the editors berate the academic community for condemning the series before reading it in full, though she later admits to the mediocre writing of the first book and structural problems with the second.

Regardless of this, there are essays that bring up questions that many have had about the series, the relationship to a modern fairy tale, the creation of "luminous" vampires, the influence of Mormonism, and more. This collection would be highly sought for by college students wanting to write critically on a series that they enjoy.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels a little strange to reference both academia and Twilight in one breath, but that's what this collection is: a look at Twilight from a grown-up and thoughtful eye. The essays range from talk on where Meyer drew her inspiration, to evidence of her religion in her writings, and to her appropriation of Quileute legend (real and imagined). While none of the essays were particularly critical- in fact, most were very positive- it gives a more balanced view of the series than one is likely to find elsewhere.

I received this book for free through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.