With the introductions out of the way (see my previous post), it is time to begin to examine Twilight in a little more detail. Twilight falls into the romantic fantasy genre category because of Stephanie Meyer's use of vampires. These are not your grandparent's vampires. None of the old tricks work on them (garlic, crosses, wooden bullets) and they have superpowers (mind reading, future seeing, emotion manipulation). But they are still vampires and the use of vampires carries a historic set of symbols with them. And Meyer makes no attempt to deviate from these symbols.
Vampire literature has always been pretty straight forward in its symbolism. Picture most vampire movies and think of a neck-bite...what do you see? An erotic scene is a safe bet. Twilight is no different, but first a quick history lesson. Vampire stories were very popular in pre-Victorian and Victorian era England. Brothels were often visited by husbands. When they came home to their unsuspecting wife, they passed along a present...syphilis. Thus, the dark, sexual undercurrent of a vampire sinking his teeth into an innocent woman was a perfect parallel to society and it continues to be. Meyer does not shy away from this. A strong sensual and electric vibe is seen(the eyes, it is always the eyes) between Bella and Edward from early in the book and continues to develop throughout. He is continuously warning her he is dangerous. He cannot be trusted to control his urges around her. Edward works hard at it, but Bella's fragrance is nearly enough to drive him beyond self control. He wants her. He wants her bad. The symbolism is clear.
However, just to make sure the reader gets the point, Meyer drives it home like a nail in a coffin. Think of prom. Think of prom movies, especially those in the 80's. What is prom's, or more specifically after-prom's connotation? What goes on, or what does 'the guy' stereotypically want to make happen? Twilight ends with Bella and Edward at the prom, "And he leaned down to press his cold lips once more to my throat" (p. 498). As gentle as a two-by-four across the face the author makes it clear that Twilight is a sexually erotic book with teenagers as the target audience.
1 comment:
There are so many comments I want to make, but don't know where to start. I don't know these books, but I know the signs. Chris and I decided not to read them bc we were overcome with people saying you have to read it, did you read it, you have to read it. Something that has that much draw is usually disappointing and not worth the time. I love however that you, Joe took the time to read it because we respect your and Melissa's opinion very much, and I was excited to see your response to it. Everything that you wrote is what we expected the book was about and promoted. I have been told it promotes no premartial sex, but I think the problem is what it promotes leading to sex. You know that Chris and I are strong believers of our girls courting, and that dating is pointless. So I have a problem with a book that promotes the tantalizing of teenagers for feeling and actions that shouldn't be prompted (not the word I'm looking for) until marriage. Thank you for reading the book, and giving an honest opinion.
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