The first few chapters of Twilight create the environment for Bella to be changed by this
meeting with a local coven of vampires. In the first chapter alone, we learn
quite a bit about Bella Swan. Women of all ages adore the Twilight series because Bella is a
relatable character. She is awkward and quiet. She hasn’t figured out how to
navigate life, even though she is mature beyond her years. Bella loves and
respects her parents, and she displays some core moral virtue. Yet the entire
series showcases one of Bella’s main character flaws – lying. She works with
ease within the white lie domain, which makes things easier for her to lie
outright to her family and friends about her new secret world.
Bella’s
first encounter with Edward in the cafeteria and the following ones in biology
class are comical, endearing and scary. We all know how it feels to be noticed
by another person, especially when we feel invisible to the world. That feeling
is intoxicating like a drug without limit. When Edward saves Bella from the
oncoming van in the school parking lot, the relationship goes to a whole new
level for her. She wants more from the boy who seems so different from everyone
else. He is a mysterious yet powerful draw for her.
The middle
chapters of Twilight are my favorite
parts of the book. Bella’s walk into the woods gives us this famous quotation.
“I didn’t
know if there ever was a choice, really. I was already in too deep. Now that I
knew – if I knew – I could do nothing about my frightening secret. Because when
I thought of him, his voice, his hypnotic eyes, the magnetic force of his
personality, I wanted nothing more than to be with him right now.”3
After Edward saves Bella in Port Angeles,
their ride home together becomes a pivotal conversation that
builds the foundation of a strong relationship between our two main characters.
First, Edward confirms that he is a vampire and clarifies the myths about his
nature, which is another comical scene in Twilight.
Ironically, it is Edward that brings up the subject of his blood-only diet. In
this particular dialogue, Edward reveals an insight into his self-loathing
tendencies. He only sees himself as a “monster.” Second, Bella hands out her
decision of commitment at all costs to Edward. He is certainly taken back by
her fearlessness and resolve. Lastly, Bella and Edward confess their feelings
to each other – in their own way. Edward, a vampire of strong self-control,
shows vulnerability in admitting to anxiety about being away from Bella. Bella,
a human of few words, shows resilience and some adolescent stupidity amidst
feelings of fear and direct warnings from her new love.
A week
later, Bella and Edward spend a day alone together. This day in the meadow
changes the relationship significantly. Why do you think that is? You can
discuss your answers with a friend or fellow Twi-hard, but I have a few
thoughts as well. Bella and Edward are building a relationship by getting to
know one another socially and emotionally first. While the physical
relationship is longing to develop, our couple is creating trust by revealing
themselves to each other. They aren’t learning about one another in tweets or
texts or emails. Bella and Edward have lots and lots of face-to-face
conversations. This day in the meadow
and subsequent evening in meeting the Cullen family is a beautiful picture of
revelation and vulnerability in a loving relationship. Bella proclaims her feelings for Edward, and
he unveils his true vampire abilities to her in the meadow.
As Bella
meets the Cullen family, we learn a lot about the vampires of the Twilight series. It is intriguing to me that the person who
leads the Cullen family has such a deep spiritual heritage. Carlisle’s
compassion for life is an inherent part of his belief system. He was brought up
by a single father who was zealous for truth and justice. His father worked to
rid the world of vampires, werewolves and witches. When he became old, he asked
his son Carlisle to take over the diligent hunt. On one particular night,
Carlisle found a vampire who then fed on him. Instead of dying, Carlisle clung
to life and made the transition to becoming a vampire.
Edward
shares the story of Carlisle’s life through a series of pictures in his office.
We learn that Carlisle had a period of being alone as a vampire. Then he met a
“civilized and educated” clan of vampires known as the Volturi. Years later
Carlisle created his first companion, Edward. Edward’s words show the confusion
and complexity of his thoughts of God. The origin of vampires truly is
perplexing to his soul. He shares that his ability to read thoughts drew him
back to Carlisle. Edward could hear the integrity of Carlisle’s philosophy on
vampire life. He also offers a look into his guilty conscience. Edward felt
remorse for killing people, even if those people were evil. That’s interesting
to me because we do not know of any religious teaching in Edward’s life.
Quickly,
things turn more serious as a new grouping of vampires arrive in town. They
approach the Cullen family and Bella as they are playing baseball in the
clearing. Things go from serious to life-threatening in a New York minute when
Alice and Edward understand one opposing vampire’s intentions. His name is
James, and he wants Bella. The Cullen family unites to save Bella. Alice and
Jasper take Bella to Phoenix, but Bella escapes to confront James in her
childhood ballet studio. In the nick of time, the Cullen family comes to
Bella’s rescue. She walks away with some injuries, including a bite from James.
While in the hospital, Edward and Bella’s mother, Renee, finally meet.
The final
scenes in Twilight arrive with some
comics and intrigue. Alice has dressed Bella in French couture, and Edward is
dressed in his own designer black suit. Bella realizes what is happening –
Edward is taking her to prom. Unlike most teenage girls, Bella is furious over
this development. She doesn’t want to go, even though her date will be the
hottest guy on the West Coast. Go figure. And like most teenage boys, Edward
doesn’t see the real reason behind Bella’s fury and consequent tears. Edward
explains that he brought Bella to the prom so she could experience the human
life to the fullest. Bella lets her internal anger rise as she wants Edward to
understand how badly she wants to be with him. The sadness of Edward’s heart is
felt in his words to Bella, “So ready for
this to be the end, for this to be the twilight of your life, though your life
has barely started. You’re ready to give up everything.”6 Bella disagrees with his assessment,
and Edward claims to be unworthy of such love. He then moves back into a
playful mood by asking Bella if she is really ready while he presses his lips
to her neck. Bella’s heart races, but she claims confidence in the finality of
this step. Edward chuckles over her hastiness and wonders if she really dreams
about becoming a monster like him. Bella claims she only dreams about eternity
with her love. And the first book in the Twilight
series ends with great expectation. The natural has encountered the
supernatural, and neither of them will ever be the same.