Warning, if you have not read the series, this post will not make much sense. :P
I had decided a few weeks ago that I should probably read the entire series of Twilight through before judging. Many people do not think the story is a very uplifting story for girls to read.
And now that I've read it, some parts I agree with. Bella as a character in the first 3 books seems to only have a claim to fame for hurting herself or getting herself into painful situations. Granted, this isn't really her fault most of the time, but its not a very uplifting picture. She seems to have so little control over her own life, which is very frustrating for her and the reader. She's at the mercy of those stronger than her. This is simply the world in which she has been placed and since she cannot revile her budding love and friendship with an outcast species, she continues to try and make do with what she's given.
The only thing in the first 3 books that annoyed me was her little matyr complex. Anytime Edward or Jacob got hurt due to the love triangle between them and Bella, she blames herself entirely. She thinks its utterly and completely her fault that these two guys fell in love with her and keep getting themselves into messes because of it. She doesn't seem to realize that its THEIR fault for choosing to fight over her that makes all their lives difficult. It's their actions that are to blame. This annoyed me greatly. One redeeming quality of hers is the ability to look past outward appearance to the heart within. She accepts Jacob and Edward for who they are inside.
But now on to Book 4. Bella goes through the rigours of an accelerated and painful pregnancy that required and emergency C-section. She was able to choose to have her baby (just as every woman deserves the right to choose), regardless of the thoughts and opinions of those around her. And then Bella, FINALLY, becomes a new species herself ;). And, THATS where the entire story begins to redeem itself. She becomes an agent of her own life. She is at the mercy of no one. She shares an equal and loving relationship with Edward and she surpasses everyone's expectations marvelously. She has a superb control over her new self and her compassion becomes a weapon for justice unlike so many others of her species. She exemplifies the ultimate ability to love and bond with others of all species, human, shapeshifter, and vampire alike.
She becomes the hero of the day but besting those who underestimated her. She has her own spectacularly special ability that is just right for her personality. She can now keep people from harming those she loves and even from harming each other.
Perhaps the author wanted us to wade through all the muck in order to finally reach the good part. Who knows?
Because of the way that this series ends, I would give it an 7.5 out of 10. The writing was not spectacularily witty or educated, but the story-line was very interesting and entertaining. Can it compare to Harry Potter. No, it cannot. HP gets an 11 out of 10 and I think will always remain my favorite book series of all time.
Now on to The Hunger Games. I am waiting for it at the library. It promises to be even better than Twilight so I'm looking forward to it. :)
So, did any of my other readers read Twilight and want to weigh in? Feel free to do so.
•taste: Peanut Butter and Honey on an English Muffin.
see: an overcast day
hear: Micah and his BF talking "terraria". :P
smell: our new citrus candle. Love it. For some reason, it makes the apartment smell like raspberries when you walk in the door.
touch: my hair, as per usual
think: about seeing Jes tonight in Seattle.
feel: a lil sleepy. Which makes no sense since we went to be early and slept in...:P
via
3 comments:
I read Twilight when my daughter was reading the series and found it rather meh....On the other hand, the Hunger Games trilogy was one I've enjoyed despite the fact, or perhaps because, it being a re-working of Greek/Roman mythology complete with many names from the culture.
So, questions, per your request on your last blog...what led you to teaching, what aspect(s) of teaching are you most passionate about and how does it tie in with your feminism, if it does.
Now that you mention it, the names did seem weird in Hunger Games and yet familiar! Now I know why. I'll will be posting on your questions soon. :) I love actually knowing what people want to know about me. Thx!
I read Twilight. I was entertained. And I agree with your assessment of Bella's character. The big issue I have with the book, especially as it is marketed to "tweens" and young women, is the "love" story presented. It is not at all healthy. And the fact that Bella has to change in order for the relationship to become an equal partnership? Bad! Bad! Bad!
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