There's one thing I've realized this time. As far as I know, people have loved these books because they are the "universal perfect romance." I've always had a bit of a hard time with that concept, and now I've pinpointed why: It's not the perfect romance, but it IS the perfect fantasy. Everybody has experienced that entirely-out-of-your-league crush. The one boy in high school that makes you swoon just by looking at you, and makes you totally tongue-tied and sound like an idiot. This describes Bella's feelings for Edward perfectly..... except in this fantasy world, the out-of-her-league crush actually RETURNS her feelings. And what woman (or man, for that matter) hasn't wanted to feel loved and adored- or even noticed- by that one crush? Stephenie Meyer does a good job of descriptive writing, and pulling the reader into the emotions of the book. So readers get to live vicariously through Bella, experiencing the thrill of feeling special and noticed by someone who otherwise wouldn't be giving them the time of day.
Well, those are my thoughts on the matter, anyway.
7 comments:
Yes, I'd agree that it's the perfect man fantasy. My perfect crushes never wanted me. tear.
See, my problem with it is that it seems unhealthy. I'm not going to get involved with the abusive debate, but I do think they are very, very enmeshed, and it's the whole I can't live without you and if you aren't in my life, I will kill myself aspect that I have a problem with.
I am actually re-reading New Moon right this minute. I had read it so fast the first time, that I had missed a lot. I forgot (or maybe didn't realize the first time) how much it hurt Bella when Jacob pushed her away.
While on the one hand, I can understand the crowd that says Bella is unhealthy in the way she cannot live with out her men (Edward and Jacob). But I also can relate to Bella. It's not necessarily that she's addicted to just those boys. In fact in New Moon she talks about how the hole in her is for the entire Cullen family. What I can relate to is that I have very, very few friends in my life. I'm one of those who loves just a few, but I love them with every bit of me. I am very loyal to them. I don't know, I'm probably not explaining it well. LOL
well said. wendy was and is my perfect crush. she, eventually, relented and returned my affection. that is probably why i am so thrilled by our marriage. oh, and she is a also a vampire. oh shoot, i have said too much.
I really like your point of view on this, and agree that is every girl's fantasy. I've only read the books twice, and I liked them all better the second time.
I think the "unhealthy" depiction of Bella is what every 14-18 yr old girl feels when then lose "the boy of their dreams." Because, lets face it, teenage girls are VERY dramatic.
I have to agree that the relationship is completely unhealthy. That's always bugged me a little.
Jen - CONGRATS! 10 WKS?! Fantastical! =) Cousin Mindi here. Will you email me your phone # please? I gots questions for ye. m_buckwalter@hotmail.com
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