I’m going to digress here from the theme of education. I ran into a blog with a totally different take on the Twilight saga. There are lots of opinions out there and some who don’t like the books very much. Some are simply outrageous. Let me address them.
I’m currently reading the final book, Breaking Dawn. I am a voracious reader and I appreciate a well crafted tale. These first three books are not well written and to tell you the truth I’m surprised the editor let them hit the market as-is. I’ve seen fanfics which were much better constructed than these stories. I had trouble with the first few chapters of Twilight, so much so that I fell asleep twice while reading it, which I’ve never done before. I couldn’t figure out the appeal. But then the book hooked me.
Yes, the dialogue in Twilight sounds like two 14-year-old girls whispering in the hallway and that’s exactly how it hooks them. This is not Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and it’s not meant to be. These books are aimed at the 12-18 year old market. It’s beach reading for the adolescent girl and these movies are going to be the biggest DVDs ever for sleepover parties.
To continue in more detail . . .
This is a chaste romance. I’m glad the relationship between Bella and Edward is chaste and I’m glad of WHY. It is chaste not because of some lecturing adult but because of the thoughtful choice of Edward. It is chaste because that is what’s best and it is no less because of it. The subject is not tip-toed around either or treated in some goody-goody manner. When Bella and Edward talk about the possibility of a more intimate relationship in the future it sounds like two teenagers having an tentative moment. Bella has to go through embarassing conversations with her concerned parents as well.
Now the idea that these books show that men cannot control themselves simply baffles me. In my opinion it shows that men and women can control themselves and that people can choose their behavior, no matter how difficult that might be. It isn’t just Bella and Edward who have to make important, life altering decisions, many of the characters do and the consequences are shown. Obsessive? Yes, the relationship between Bella and Edward is obsessive but what first love isn’t?
Edward as stalker? The first time he’s near her he runs away so he won’t hurt her. It’s more like Edward the gentleman protector and as the story progresses and he makes it clear on plenty of occasions that if she chooses someone else he will accept her decision. She doesn’t. As the books progress it becomes more and more obvious that Bella is the one in control.
Are the stories believable? Of course not! Who can reasonably complain about suspension of disbelief when discussing a novel about vampires and werewolves living amongst us? It’s pure fantasy folks! It’s ridiculous to say the least!
I haven’t finished the final novel so I can’t comment on the ending and I don’t want to be a spoiler. I can say that the fourth book is very well plotted and written and filled with humor. It continues to handle the relationship in a lovely manner parents will approve of. It continues an overarching theme that family is the most important thing in life.
There is plenty of comment out there about the morality play aspect of these books and the fact that the author is Mormon. I think that’s irrelevant. I’m Jewish and not particularly observant and I totally agree with the content in these books. I don’t feel like someone is preaching at me or my daughter. The moral lessons in these books, about love, family, evil, and redemption are universal and presented in a practical way that makes sense. no matter who you are.
Ok, enough with that. Back to education . . . .
