Twilight (The Twilight Saga, #1) in Team Twilight

Nov 29, 2008 Hannah rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-teen-girls

EDWARD-BELLA RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC

It is clear that Bella cannot defeat Edward in any physical way. While Bella is weak even by human standards (small, clumsy, alone a lot), Edward is immortal, invincible and hard as diamond. In fact, in the sunlight he practically is a mineral. This aspect of their relationship manifests itself in Bella’s lack of control. When readers put aside the outcome of Edward’s actions as all purposed for Bella’s well-being, they can focus on Bella’s useless “No.” Bella ca EDWARD-BELLA RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC

It is clear that Bella cannot defeat Edward in any physical way. While Bella is weak even by human standards (small, clumsy, alone a lot), Edward is immortal, invincible and hard as diamond. In fact, in the sunlight he practically is a mineral. This aspect of their relationship manifests itself in Bella’s lack of control. When readers put aside the outcome of Edward’s actions as all purposed for Bella’s well-being, they can focus on Bella’s useless “No.” Bella can say no to Mike taking her out to dinner, she can say "no" to Tyler taking her to the girl’s choice dance, but she cannot say "no" to Edward when he forces her into his car after the blood-typing incident in biology class or when he steals her away from forks. How does this affect their relationship? Edward is in full control of Bella. I would go so far as to say that Edward has a God complex. Sure, Stephenie Meyer makes it clear that Edward would die before he’d make a decision that would harm Bella and yes, he listens to Bella’s input. But, ultimately, Edward has the final say over Bella’s choices. Some aspects of Edward and Bella can be seen in marriage. For instance, the wife should submit to the husband and the husband should love the wife as himself. However, in real life the husband (just as every human given responsibility by God through free will) still has a range or limit to his power over the wife. While a wife can physically resist or seek help and resist her husband, Bella, even with the help of others, could never defeat Edward. Also, this example is weak in applying to Bella and Edward since they are not married.

Edward’s invincibility may imply something about good and evil. Although, Edward is good and refuses to succumb to murder in order to survive, the basis of his vampiric nature is evil. The creature that Edward has become is only at full health and happiness when it kills people. His body is made for such killings. A vampire can be classified as an evil creature, though exceptions going against the vampire nature are possible. The Cullen family is similar to the Jesus among our sinful human race. What this fact implies about evil is that evil is eternal as vampires. It also, implicitly makes readers wonder whether evil can ever be defeated.
Lastly, I would like to argue that the unequal relationship between Bella and Edward sends a dangerous message to young readers. Edward is perfect. He is a mind reader, intelligent, wealthy, beautiful, talented (piano player, strong, fast), loves his family, is battling all odds to do what is morally right, and, to top it all off, only has eyes for Bella. Examples are all over the text. On page 178 Edward tells Bella, “I don’t want to be a monster.” On page 301 Bella admits to Edward, “You’re good at everything.” And, on page 314, Edward promises Bella, “You are my life now.” Edward is constantly caring for Bella. He is thoughtful- adjusting the car heater, bringing Bella a jacket or food, observing her minor injuries like hand scrapes, and asking her detailed questions about herself. The problem is no real youth can live up to the Edward standard. In fact, no person in the entire world can be like Edward. Real men can’t read minds, they can’t always protect, and they are not perfect. Healthy couples occasionally have some sort of conflict; sometimes one’s spouse isn’t always the most physically attractive woman in the room, sometimes a date tells lies. Edward’s worst flaw is similar to a flaw one would write on their resume for a business. I am too organized, I am too hard working, and Edward is too in love with Bella. Young readers read about Edward and see a role they can never live up to, and not just because they lack super vampire abilities, but because Edward’s personality lacks something human.
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Nov 21, 2008 Selena added it

SOOOO awesome!!!!!!it makes my heart jump whenever Edward and Bella kiss or hug.its like AWWWWWWW...SOOO sweet!!!! ...more

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Nov 23, 2008 Ashley rated it it was amazing

I LOVED IT! It made me cry alot! I love Edward so much! I love this book so much more than the Harry Potter series!

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Nov 20, 2008 Chichi rated it it was amazing

Buku keren nih..
Gimana rasanya y pacaran ma vampir, tpi Edward bae banget c..
Hmm Bella beruntung bgt ya

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Nov 21, 2008 Brittany rated it it was amazing

I love this book. Its like my own personal bible.

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Sep 19, 2010 Heather rated it it was amazing

Team Edward for sure in the book(:

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Nov 14, 2008 Julie rated it it was amazing

I Love The twilight books. I don't know how I've lived without them for so long. I am completely OBSSESED with it. I love it so much. The feeling that the book gives you when you read it is so......omg it's so good that I can't find words to explain it. You have to read it to understand what I mean. ...more

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