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Email a FriendLordy, this could be more interesting than the Harry Potter discussion. I personally have read the books and as a reader, meh. They were teen romance with a straight forward plot line. As a mother I have issues with the self-endangerment, sneaking behind parents back, putting up with two boys are are very possessive, a boy (even if nothing has happened) spend the night routinely in an unsupervised room, and the very oblivious father. I actually am not too worried about the vampire part of the story, but the the issues mentioned above is the main reason my daughters will be encouraged to read something with substance. Maybe the books that the writer based them on (which happens to be Jane Austin’s stories. yeah, it’s a stretch to me too, but at least she does mention Jane Austin in her book.).
Should My Teen Read Twilight?
by Julie Rattey in Reviews on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:00 PM
Stephenie Meyer, a 37-year-old mother of three, does not read vampire novels. She says she “just knows” she is “too much of a wuss for Stephen King’s books,” and she’s “waaay too chicken to read horror.” She also happens to be the author of a hugely popular young adult series called Twilight… about vampires.
One would not expect a vampire series, however relatively tame, to drum up much controversy among the Christian community. It would either be dismissed as irrelevant or condemned as inappropriate. But Christians are, in fact, debating the books — on one side, there are those trumpeting them as promoting positive values (Teens who save sex for marriage! A young mother who carries out her unintended pregnancy!); on the other, there are readers claiming the hero of the books is a creepy stalker and the heroine a pathetic, obsessed victim.
With the film “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1,” based on the final book in the series, out in theaters this November, and with the Twilight phenomenon still going strong, Catholic parents are bound to ask (if they haven’t already): What is Twilight? What could be good or bad about the books? And how do I approach this with my teen? Let’s take a look:
What is the Twilight phenomenon?
Twilight is a best-selling series of four books (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn) by Stephenie Meyer. The film based on the first book was a box-office smash and the top-earning vampire film in history. Thousands of girls and young women are devoted to the series, to the protagonist’s vampire boyfriend, and to the young British actor (Robert Pattinson) who portrays him.
Some of the particular elements readers are drawn to in the series are the romance between Edward and Bella, the love triangle between them and Bella’s best friend Jacob, the suspenseful story, and the element of the fantastic. The books also resonate because they play into some traditional literary elements or figures — the damsel in distress, the noble savage, star-crossed lovers, the Byronic hero, the vampire as a metaphor for sexuality, travail-fraught romance between humans and non-humans (such as in “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” hundreds of ancient myths), etc.
What are the books about?
Teenager Bella Swan falls in love with Edward Cullen, a dashing but mysterious young man who saves her life… and who happens to be a vampire. Despite the obvious obstacles and dangers, Edward and Bella find themselves unwilling to keep apart and discover that each needs the other to survive enemy forces. Bella marries Edward instead of her best friend, Jacob, and, contrary to Edward’s concerns, plans to become a vampire herself so they can live eternally together. Bella unexpectedly becomes pregnant but refuses to abort her baby. When a horrific birth complication arises, Edward saves Bella’s life by injecting her with a syringe full of his venom, thereby transforming her into a vampire. After avoiding a cataclysmic battle among supernatural forces, Bella and Edward, along with their daughter, begin their new life together.
Why are girls (and, in some cases, their mothers) swooning over Edward Cullen?
Fans see Edward as romantic, protective, and chivalrous, as well as brave and noble for being a “vegetarian” (he and his family eschew killing humans). Edward is smart, a talented musician, polite, generally respectful of parental rules, and a proponent of no sex before marriage. He is also rich and supernaturally handsome.
How tame are the books?
Twilight is primarily a romance, and it may be less graphic than some vampire or horror books, but it is still a series featuring vampires and other supernatural creatures. The books feature characters in life-threatening situations. There is some fighting (of the good-versus-evil type) and violence. The final novel is especially dark and, due to the bizarre nature of Bella’s pregnancy, very bloody. The teen characters experience romantic and sexual desire, but there are no sex scenes.
Is there any religious content in the books?
Some, but not what you might expect. The stereotypical, sometimes campy vampire-church references, like vampires cowering before crosses, carry no weight here. Edward’s vampire family hosts a minister-presided wedding for Edward and Bella, and display an ornamental cross in their home. Edward, as well as his father figure, Dr. Carlisle Cullen, believe in God, heaven, and hell. There are many discussions in the books about right and wrong, good and evil, choices and consequences, souls and salvation. One of the most frequently revisited topics is whether or not being a vampire — willing or unwilling — means losing one’s soul.
Bella, who incidentally did not grow up with religion, is not overly concerned with this notion. Edward, who believes vampires have lost their souls, is gravely concerned and thus does not want her to become a vampire. Carlisle hopes there is purpose, meaning, and the possibility of salvation for vampires.
“I look at my ... son,” he tells Bella, speaking about Edward. “His strength, his goodness, the brightness that shines out of him — and it only fuels that hope, that faith, more than ever. How could there not be more for one such as Edward?”
Bella replies that she doesn’t think Carlisle’s feelings are foolish. I couldn’t imagine anyone, deity included, who wouldn’t be impressed by Carlisle, she thinks. Besides, the only kind of heaven I could appreciate would have to include Edward.
On a side note to religious references, the cover of the book Twilight, which features a red apple, is an intentional reference by the author to “forbidden fruit,” as linked with Genesis as well as other stories including Snow White.
What are some of the things readers commend about the books?
- The vampires’ morals. Edward and his family are morally committed to a “vegetarian” lifestyle, despite the torment it causes them. Dr. Carlisle Cullen has fought against his vampire instincts to the point where he is now a talented doctor. “What I enjoy the very most,” he says, “is when my… enhanced abilities let me save someone who would otherwise have been lost. It’s pleasant knowing that, thanks to what I do, some people’s lives are better because I exist.” Edward exercises Herculean efforts to protect and care for Bella despite his vampire qualities. Although there is violence in the books, often due to attacks from enemies, the protagonists usually try to keep peace whenever possible.
- The depiction of a chaste relationship. Although the lovers are passionate about each other, physical contact between them is mostly limited to embraces and kisses. Edward asks Bella to marry him and does not sleep with her before marriage. Despite pressure to the contrary, the author refused to include sex scenes in the books. “Reading it makes you want to save your virginity more because it’s a really special thing that you want to share with a really special person,” one 15-year-old female Twilight reader was quoted in a Newsweek article on the books. Some readers, however, see the relationship as an insufficient model of chastity for teens. Although physical contact is limited, Edward secretly spends the night in Bella’s room a great deal, and Bella is extremely eager to sleep with Edward before marriage — and despite the dangers it poses to her as a human. It is Edward’s gentle refusal that prevents the event from occurring before matrimony.
- The bravery and self-sacrifice revealed by the characters. Many characters, both humans and vampires, put themselves in grave danger for the sake of loved ones and even enemies.
- Bella’s refusal to abort her pregnancy. Some readers see this as a pro-life message, given that she is willing to see through an unexpected and torturous pregnancy, and that she loves her child despite her not being “normal” (Bella’s daughter is half-human, half-vampire).
What are some of the reasons readers are concerned about the books?
- The depiction of a relationship between a vampire and a human. The two are drawn together despite the fact that Edward’s vampire nature urges him to kill her. “And so the lion fell in love with the lamb,” he muses. Some fear that young women will subconsciously absorb this fictional dynamic and apply it to real life, rendering them more likely to be drawn to dangerous men or situations. Some also disapprove that the series’ happy ending involves Bella becoming a vampire — without, some add, many of the grave dangers typically associated with the process. Though it’s a fantastical premise to begin with, some wonder whether Bella’s happy ending sends a poor message about consequences in the real world.
- Passion-fueled dramatics. Bella engages in dangerous behavior (like riding motorcycles and cliff diving) when Edward temporarily disappears from her life. Edward plans to get himself killed when he mistakenly believes Bella is dead. It’s worth noting that the couple’s dramatics are often challenged by more mature characters, and sometimes by Edward and Bella themselves. I thought about ... jumping off the cliff and what a brainless mistake that had been, Bella realizes. What if something bad happened to me? What would that do to [my dad]? Parents will have to face an important question here: Will teen readers acknowledge the dangerous nature of various behaviors in the books, or will they simply find them romantic? Will they see true love as defined by passion-fueled dramatics, or will they learn, as the characters often do, that such stunts are reckless and irresponsible?
- The character of Bella. Given Edward’s beauty and talent, Bella feels unworthy of him despite his love and admiration, not to mention her own strengths. She only feels truly equal when she herself is a vampire, endowed like he is with supernatural beauty and strength. Some readers also dislike Bella because she is constantly in need of aid and rescue, and they criticize her for being focused on Edward and her life with him instead of on other ambitions or goals. Given these and other characteristics, some see her as a poor role model for readers.
- Behavior by Edward that borders between protective and possessive. Often as part of protecting her from enemy threats, Edward engages in behavior that, in real life, would be even more troubling: following Bella, eavesdropping on her conversations, visiting her room unannounced, etc. Some readers condemn his behavior altogether; some justify it. Some express concern that some readers may confuse fiction with reality: In real life, young women with boyfriends who secretly follow them would have a problem on their hands.
- Controversial scenes with Edward and Jacob. In one scene, Bella’s best friend Jacob kisses her in an ungentle manner. In another scene, through a mystical event unique to the world of the books, he recognizes Bella’s daughter as his soul mate and plans to marry her when she grows up, an arrangement some readers find distasteful. In another scene, during the morning after Bella and Edward consummate their marriage, Edward — who always has to be extraordinarily careful with Bella due to his superhuman strength — is horrified to see that he has inadvertently bruised the surface of her skin. For a time he refuses to sleep with her again for fear of hurting her. Some readers feel that Edward’s appropriately horrified reaction is insufficient to deter some young women from justifying or brushing off physical abuse in real-life relationships.
- Bella’s pregnancy. Bella undergoes a horrific, life-threatening pregnancy, due to the fact that her child is half-human, half-vampire. Although Bella’s love for her child is admirable, the very graphic nature of the pregnancy is a bit much for even some of Meyer’s devoted fans. Some also feel that the pregnancy is so horrific that any pro-life message it might carry gets lost in the process.
How do I handle this with my teen?
Each family will need to make a decision based partly on what they know of the books, partly on their knowledge of their own teen. If parents are in doubt, reading the books or detailed plot summaries would help in making an informed choice. If parents choose to refuse to allow their teens to read the books or see the films, a calm and open discussion about this decision and the reasoning behind it would be helpful (“Because I said so” or “Because I think those books are the spawn of Satan” is unlikely to get you very far). Parents who choose to allow their teens access to the series should make themselves available for discussion about the topics and issues it presents.
Should teens be reading Twilight at all?
These books, and the movies inspired by them, provoke thought about the choices we make at the same time that they present challenges in moral discernment to those who read them. Twilight deals with issues many adolescents struggle with: friendship and romance, family dynamics, chastity and pregnancy, questions of self-worth, depression, fear of aging, etc. In some cases, the way these issues are presented provides positive food for thought. In other cases, the presentation urges readers to question how and whether teen readers will be able to separate fiction from reality, and whether they will step back far enough from the romance to make discerning judgments about decisions the characters make.
These questions also raise another, larger one: How dangerous is it to read about people who don’t always make good decisions? Stories that feature a mix of good and bad decision-making, along with issues such as dangerously intense passion and violence, are not only read by teenagers everywhere, but are part of school curricula (e.g. The Lord of the Flies, Romeo and Juliet). Acknowledging that Meyer, though a suspenseful storyteller, is no Shakespeare, is Twilight simply a modern Romeo and Juliet? Or does the series’ happy ending make the comparison impossible? Parents will want to examine these issues as part of their decision-making process.
If teens pass on Twilight, they are certainly not missing out on any great work of literature or any moral lessons they can’t find elsewhere. But with the popularity of the books and movies, Twilight isn’t going away anytime soon, so parents who haven’t yet made a decision on these books will likely need to do so in the future. And those whose teens are already reading the books may want to take a close look at what they contain in order to address any issues that may arise. The books present challenging questions parents and their teens will need to grapple with as the phenomenon that is Twilight continues.
What about the movies?
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops rated the first film in the series, “Twilight,” which is rated PG-13, as A-II (adults and adolescents) and deemed it “acceptable for older teens.” Sister Rose Pacatte of St. Anthony Messenger called it a “an intense, contemporary gothic tale” that “allows the moral imagination to consider the meaning of free will, the choices we make, and their consequences.”
Where can I learn more?
Readers can learn more about the books or movies at the author’s website (StephenieMeyer.com) and the film series’ website (TwilightTheMovie.com).
—This article originally appeared in Catholic Digest, where Julie Rattey is managing editor.
Photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.
Comments
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Agreed. The books were enjoyable and entertaining enough. However, until my daughter is in her later teen years, I think we’ll stick to books with more substance. I think deciding whether or not she’ll read them at any point will depend on her as a person. I don’t think there’s one right answer for every child.
No, teens shouldn’t read Twilight, but not necessarily because they might in some way be damaged by the content. The series is so poorly written that I would worry about it harming my daughter’s ability to compose a coherent sentence.
Stephenie Meyer’s writing is not pretentious, which is a strength. The series is written from the point of view of Bella, a teenager, and thus the diction and tone are apt to her perspective. Bella should not be writing like an adult who pours over her drafts; this would have detracted from the narrative’s realism. I think Meyer is misunderstood. Her books are bursting with references to Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, etc. She is clearly an avid reader of British lit. No surprise, since she was an English major at BYU, which has an excellent program. I admire her.
I’m a YA writer, and so, as such, I don’t believe in “banning” or “slamming” books. I will say this is one of those “know your child” moments. Know your kids. And know what they are reading. I know plenty of teens who could read Bella’s story and not be swayed by it. I know plenty who could (and have) and would (and are).
As with the above commenter, I don’t really take issue with the vampires; it’s fiction after all, folks—vampires that sparkle in the sun? Please. The bigger issues are deception, the completely oblivious parents (the mom is worse than the dad, imo), putting herself in suicidal situations and…um…basically craving suicide? This is the stuff that worries me.
That aaaaaaaaand…. the romance is so beyond unhealthy. Which wouldn’t really bother me except to see how girls and even grown women now idealize (idolize?) this unhealthy, manipulative, trustless paradigm. More than the “vampire craze”, this is the trend I see in YA lit that bothers me. Two people who are fated to be in love who are no good for each other but can’t tear themselves apart anyway who enjoy being in each other’s exclusive company and destroying or neglecting every other relationship in their (usually already nearly devoid of relationship) lives. This is the trend that bothers me…because I see it played out in real life.
So, should you teen read Twilight? That’s up to you. But, please, PLEASE teach your teen—SHOW your teen—what a healthy partnership should look like. PLEASE.
My 21 year old daughter has read a couple of the books. I think she read at least one on the way home from WYD 2008. I had no clue she was reading them. While she liked it at the time, she really doesn’t care for them. Her comment now is that they really weren’t written well, in terms of writing style. My 18 year old daughter could care less about these books and enjoys giving sparkle people a bad time. My 11 year old daughter said something about some of her friends talking about Twilight. She says she doesn’t get it. Right now, I am more about finding books with real meat to the story and one that I don’t have to have a conversation with them about. Not to mention that she is too young for the books.
Good luck to anyone trying to preserve their chastity following the highly emotional and impractical example set in Twilight. *Maybe* a very mature, very old man such as Edward would be able to handle regularly sleeping with his beloved without “sleeping with her” but two normal, healthy young people?
IF a teen was to read this book a conversation would be in order. What is love? Is it high emotions? Is Edward truly being chivalrous to repeatedly lead his love into strong desire and arousal that he can not consummate? Are Edward and Bella already sinning by deliberately arousing each other in their passionate embraces even if they aren’t having sexual intercourse? Would it be good to make a habit to read such fiction regularly or primarily? What books has she read that portray better and worse romance?
Lastly, does this reading this book result in feelings of arousal on the part of the reader? If so (and I’d say it’s likely), recognize and communicate that that is dangerous ground for a young person who is likely still struggling with self mastery. Ask your teen if she thinks this book could be an occasion of sin for her leading to impure thoughts, masturbation, unhealthy crushes, etc.
If you are able to have these important conversations as a result of reading Twilight maybe it would be worth it. On the other hand, there are other, less controversial romances around which you could center similar conversations.
Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that Edwards sexual arousal always happens in tandem with his arousal to become violent and “eat” Bella. This is just a sexualization of violence—no better than the trashy horror movies of hollywood.
Carrie,
Thanks for your very thoughtful input. I think you’ve pointed out a unique perspective/concern that has not been addressed. I think we are kidding ourselves if we think these things are of no concern for our children, or that we are mature enough to be above them. Your comment is enough to make me realize that there is no redeeming value in the Twilight series/craze for my family—particularly when there is so much good literature out there to choose from.
I read Twilight a few years ago. They were page-turners, but weren’t good books. They have no value intellectually or morally. Twilight is often placed in comparison with Harry Potter. And as someone who grew up reading Harry Potter, and was young enough when Twilight came out to be able to catch that wave too, I can tell you that if I’m ever a parent, I will encourage my children to read Harry Potter, but there is no way I will encourage them to read Twilight.
Meyers tricks her audience into thinking these are laudable books with the whole no premarital sex thing, and the general charm of Edward, who respects his elders and is smart and talented.
The real problem with this books is that they are anti-woman, and this is so ingrained in the novels that it can perhaps be hard to catch. This is a series where the male is “gorgeous” “perfect” “flawless” “godlike” and the female is “plain” “clumsy” “unattractive”. Edward stalks Bella, invading her personal space when she is most vulnerable (e.g. sleeping) even though he sees himself as a threat to her. Bella would “rather die than stay away from” Edward. Bella often observes not being able to breathe without the presence of a man. When Edward leaves Bella temporarily, she contemplates suicide, and begins engaging in extremely risky behavior. Bella marries her much older than herself, prone to violence, obsessive and possessive boyfriend right out of high school, even though she is a promising student and all her friends are going to college. Then she goes on her honeymoon with him, and loses her virginity (albeit after marriage, which is a plus). And what follows is troubling. Here’s a quote from a movie review on npr because I couldn’t have put it better myself:
“However wet-blanket it may seem to say so, the more this series embraces its identity as a dance of abusive emotional grotesques, the more bothersome its themes become. Entertainment is entertainment; fun is fun; Edward’s and Jacob’s stalker-like possessiveness and Bella’s lack of agency are well-covered territory by now.
But when a saga popular with pre-adolescent girls peaks romantically on a night that leaves the heroine to wake up covered with bruises in the shape of her husband’s hands — and when that heroine then spends the morning explaining to her husband that she’s incredibly happy even though he injured her, and that it’s not his fault because she understands he couldn’t help it in light of the depth of his passion — that’s profoundly irresponsible.” http://www.npr.org/2011/11/17/142248824/dawn-breaks-and-much-baroque-nonsense-ensues?sc=freshair&sc=tumblr
As a young woman, I highly recommend discouraging your young teenagers to read a series that paints women to be lucky to be loved men, and worthy of abuse. Why should our young women look to the Blessed Virgin (a woman who with a mere request to her son at the Wedding of Cana, altered the intended course of Christ’s ministry), when they have women like Bella (whose character lacks description precisely so that all young women will relate to her) to look to?
If and when I am a parent, I wouldn’t forbid my children from reading Twilight (not that it’ll even be around then), because forbidding books just didn’t work on me, but I’ll put Harry Potter in front of them first, because I’d rather they read a series about the redemptive power of sacrificial love, than a series about the futility of the human experience and the merits of love based on physical attraction alone.
Just my $.02!!
If you or your children are planning on reading the Twilight series, it would be good to cover the influence of Mormon theology on the storylines (living forever, eternal marriages, young marriage, etc.) in comparison and contrast to Catholic beliefs.
Thanks so much for bringing this point up. I had not heard it before.
Pardon me, I’m not Catholic, but don’t Catholic’s also get married young (in some some cultures), and don’t you believe in living forever (I mean how can you go to Heaven if you’re soul isn’t still living after your body dies?) I’ll give you eternal marriage. You do say “till death us do part,” or ,“as long as we both shall live,” which is makes your marriage covenant binding only in this life. But if people had an opportunity to be bound to their family not just in this life, but beyond into eternity, don’t you think they would want that? Would you?
lauralynn,
The Mormon concept of marrying young (child brides), eternity (we become gods after death), & eternal marriage (known as celestial marriage) are very different from the Catholic understanding of the Sacrament of Matrimony & eternal life in the Blessed Trinity.
Patricia,
I think you have the misconception that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Stephenie Meyers, Mormons and BYU are related in belief and practice with the many splinter groups that also call themselves Mormons, or Reformed Mormons, such as Warren Jeffs group that believes in child brides and plural marriage. Let me set the record straight, we have no association, or affiliation with these groups nor do we condone their actions.
lauralynn,
You are correct—as with the numerous splintered Protestant groups, I am sure that there are many different beliefs & creeds among the various groups that affiliate themselves with Mormonism—so I should not have assumed that all Mormons practice the same beliefs. That being said, in my understanding, the Catholic understanding of Sacramental marriage & eternal life still differs greatly from what Mormonism teaches. While Catholics & Mormons share their support of family, marriage & pro-life issues—the Apostolic Faith, which subsists in its fullness in the Catholic Church, teaches as Jesus Christ did on matters of marriage (& the other sacraments) & eternal life.
Patricia, you are correct. Not only is the Mormon understanding of “eternal life” very different from what Catholics believe, but their very meaning of the words “God” (not the immutable Being that we believe in) and “Jesus” (a created being) are completely different from ours. It is important to remember that Mormons are not even Christians in the sense that they do not believe in the Trinity and the Incarnation as traditionally understood by Christians of all denominations. Historically, they are an outgrowth of Christianity, but they are not in any theological sense Christians.
If you’re not sure if you should let your tween or teen read The Twilight Saga, then I would suggest that you read Twilight yourself first. You should know enough about your child to make the call on if they would be able to handle the storyline and content. If you feel that they are able to handle it and let them read the series, then I would take the opportunity to make it a joint activity. Take time out of your day to talk to your tween/teen about what they’ve read and what their feelings are. If they have any questions about any of the content or concepts in the book. Make it a bonding experience between you and your child, something that you and your teen can enjoy fond memories of for years to come. And speaking from experience once you’ve read the books, believe me they do become a part of your everyday life.
In high school, I once stayed up late reading a story about a girl who was madly and passionately in love with a boy. She disobeyed her parents and eventually both she and the boy committed suicide out of love for each other. Pretty risky behavior, but believe it or not, this story was required reading at my Catholic high school. The name? Romeo and Juliet. I’d never in a million years compare Twilight to a Shakespeare tragedy, but the point is that literature is full of young people (and especially young women) doing dumb things. Scarlett O’Hara, Madame Bovary, Catherine Earnshaw (Wuthering Heights) and of course, Bella, come to mind. If we kept our kids from reading stories about people making bad decisions, there wouldn’t be much literature left. Even St. Francis of Assisi defied his parents (although you could argue that he had good reason to). My personal problem with Twilight is that Bella, unlike more memorable literary characters, never pays a price for the sacrifices she makes. Tra-la, tra-la, she gives up her mortality and what does she get? Gorgeous new clothes, a “perfect” body, fast cars, a new house, oh and the handsome-hunk-love of her life. Doesn’t work for me, but if I had daughters instead of sons, I’d probably let them read the books. And then talk, talk, talk about them for hours.
Why wouldn’t you let your son’s read it? Do you know how many fans of Twilight are boys/men? About 23% on average. Every man I’ve come across that’s loved the series is just as fanatical about it as the women are. So don’t think this isn’t good reading for the boys. If they’re interested, let them read it.
Sorry, wasn’t clear. Of course, I’d let my sons read Twilight, but they’re just not interested. Never have been. Now if Mike Lupica ever writes a vampire book, my boys would be all over that!
Connie, you make a valuable point. Fiction is edifying because it gives the opportunity to learn from others mistakes and see points of view we wouldn’t otherwise experience. The writing style does greatly effect the chances of this happening whatever the actual plot. A test would be to read passages from the Classics you mention and compare to passages from Twilight. Are the incidents dealt with using the same type of delicateness and restraint? Is one more sensual and emotional in it’s portrayal? How much detail is given when portraying the risky behavior and mistakes characters make? Are the mistakes described in a way that makes them seem unsavory or attractive to the reader?
This would be a good exercise for a teen who is given permission to read Twilight!
I do not think Twilight poses a serious threat to my daughter’s faith. However, I think the books hurt my daughter’s sense of real love. Why is this eternally young, handsome, inexplicably rich boy the ideal? Edward may want to rescue Bella from constant threats, however, will he get up with the babies so she can sleep? Will he fold the laundry because she is just too tired? I want my daughter to search for the man who will look at her after 4 kids, 3 surgeries and several extra pounds and still think she is beautiful . In short, I hope she falls in love with a man just like her dad. There is no understanding of reality in these books. I think that is the conversation I would like to have if my daughter shows an interest.
Honestly, my main gripe with these books (I read the first, and part of the second before frustration got the better of me) is that they paint such a miserable picture of love. I know it’s not all raindrops on roses, but I don’t want to be in a relationship that is all torment and drama, I want some sweetness and happiness too. I think the idea that real love makes you miserable and tormented is a pervasive one in our culture, and it makes me furious that young women are growing up thinking this is the case.
I don’t know, is it healthy for our girls to get the message that you have to depend on your boyfriend to keep your passions in line - that without his help you’re not in control of those passions? When girls are already under heavy sexual pressure this hardly seems helpful.
I read an interview with Stephanie Meyers a few years back (it was on her website, last time I checked it was taken down). She stated that the books were written for adult women and that her publisher came up with the idea that they should be published as YA books, which probably goes far to explain why so many grown women love them and why they’re a little much for teens. There was also some creepy stuff about how her story ideas came to her.
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