I'm wondering what it says about me, about us, when we choose between Edward and Jacob. Bella is forced into the decision as well. By now Jackie is into Eclipse and Dena and I are reading Breaking Dawn. We all know that Bella is faced with choosing between her love for Edward and her connection to Jacob. This is unsurprising in the plot of the books but is still an interesting choice between good and good.
I have not hidden this fact but apparently I am alone. I preffer Jacob. Jackie has made me feel quite ashamed but I can't help it. I like Edward, I really do. He's obviously gorgeous; he seems to love Bella. But... she cannot be with him without drastically altering her life. Edward outlines the options for his relationship with Bella in Eclipse. The only options left for them are for Bella to choose to leave Edward or for Bella to become a vampire. I understand her motivation. I can assure you, I understand choosing love despite reservations. I just am not okay with it.
I like Jacob. Beyond the fact that I disagree with Bella's decision to become a vampire, I really do like Jacob. He's warm and protective and loving. I am not presenting my case as well as I want to.
I think the choice is similar to choosing between passion and compassion. Edward is a passionate love for her. She feels weak when he is not around, unable to function. Jacob is a compassionate love. She feels connected to him, the same as he is. She would be happy with him. She would have children and companionship and love.
I guess I will have to see. Either one or the other or all of us will be a dissappointed with the results.
5 comments:
I agree with the comparison between Jacob and Edward. It was pretty irritating when Bella was absolutely incapicated without Edward, I agree.
What does Bella want, deep down? Does she want all the things that a "regular," mortal couple could have? Is the companionship of Edward all she needs? Does she have any idea what she "needs?" No. Perhaps we're too old and cynical to read these novels without spoiling them with our own bad experiences ;)
I think Bella is very selfish... She needs to make a decision and stick with it.
(don't read if you don't want Eclipse spoiled)
I can't believe Bella actually cheated on Edward. I can understand her desire to be near Jacob as a friend, but she promised Edward forever and then kissed Jacob. That made me so mad. I thought she was stronger than that; she thought she was strong, anyway.
I think Bella can have a somewhat normal life as a vampire, as long as she continues to love Edward. His family will be good for her too. I agree with Charlie at the end of Eclipse; Edward probably is a safer choice for Bella. Even though he has a temper, he can control it better than Jacob. Bella only wanted to be with Jacob before because when she was dangerous with Jacob she could hear Edward's warnings. I think she still misses that 'dangerous Bella' but won't give up being with Edward to return to that kind of life.
I disagree with Dena's comment that Bella was only with Jacob because of the dangerous lifestyle. That may have been the catalyst for their relationship but even when she encounters him in Twilight, long before any other connection is forged, she comments that she likes him and feels instantly comfortable with him. I do think that Jackie is close to what I'm feeling. Maybe I'm applying too many of my own experiences onto Bella's choices. Maybe this answers the lady at Barnes and Nobles question, why are these considered books for teenagers? But it is probably for the same reason that Romeo and Juliet is taught to fifteen year olds - because at that stage of life, we can connect most completely to a world where nothing exists and nothing could ever be as powerful as true love.
I still don't like Jacob and I'm into Breaking Dawn already... His behavior/way of thinking in Eclipse completely turned me off to liking him. He's arrogant and sometimes mean about how he goes about getting what he wants.
Now in Breaking Dawn it's all the same type of behavior... Maybe it'll be different when I get to the chapters from his point of view.
I know I'd rather have someone who was straight-forward with me about the relationship and their feelings instead of someone who tricks me into loving them. I know, Bella loved Jacob long before the trickery, but what if Jacob's behavior had been different, more like a friend? Would Bella have let herself get so entwined with him?
I finished Eclipse over dinner, and I'm glad I'm getting my way :) I feel a certain empathy for Jacob, but I think Edward is better for Bella, with a patience honed by a century of living. I have to wonder if I would make some of the same decisions Bella made when I was her age, if I had someone with the insight of Edward (or possessed it myself?)? As irritating and irrational as both Bella and Jacob can be, they're YOUNG, and that important character flaw glares ever more against the backdrop of some of the story's more mature characters (Charlie, Carlisle, Billy, etc.).
Dena, it's interesting that you interpret the kiss between Bella and Jacob as an act of infidelity. Was it? I'm not sure I agree. Bella's intent was to keep Jake from killing himself, not to lead him on -- Jake even misinterpreted her reaction as passion rather than a rejection. Bella didn't hide anything from Edward, who, I believe, left them alone to work out what needed to be worked out, once and for all.
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