I am loving this battle between the good vampires and the good werewolves. This mythical hatred is portrayed often in fiction. Remember Underworld? Werewolves and vampires are similar creatures; they each have monstrous natures and can be killers of humans. Usually the stories are told from the point of view of an insider, either vampire or werewolf, who either idolizes or demonizes the other side of the war. Often this includes a Romeo and Juliet type situation where love is crossing the boundries.
This story varies from the typical because the narrator is not aligned, totally, with either side. Bella by being a human rocks the presupposed ideas of good and evil. She is in love with a good vampire. She also knows the story of the werewolves, who will arise as the story continues as Jacob's story hints, and sees no evil in them. Werewolves and vampires who are both striving to protect humans and be good are not the typical monsters of stories we are familiar with.
It is inevitable that this will continue to build to a confrontation between the two sides. The ultimate struggle will be Bella's decision as she chooses between the wolves and vampires. How can she make this choice? How can she decide when both sides are well intentioned and she loves them both? Where will her loyalty fall?
I'm excited for this conflict. Unlike other fantasy books, Harry Potter or LOTR for examples, good and evil are not clearly defined and Bella's choice is not obvious. I am in trepidation.
6 comments:
So... Want to read the next in the series?
I'm really liking the way this story unfolds. Bella seems to be a very innocent character, especially because she feels the need to not lie and to make everybody happy. I'm just getting a little more into the werewolf/vampire thing around chapter 17. I've never read about vampires and werewolves before (besides Harry Potter), so I don't know how to compare and contrast the qualities that Meyer has given her characters. I do know that she's captivated me... I can't put the book down. I left work early today so I could finish the book. And I probably will yet tonight: 100 pages to go.
I like the idea of reading an entire series, I think it would really stimulate valuable critical thinking among, and about, each novel. What do you think?
Good, because I couldn't resist... I started the second one last night. When I bought Twilight I also purchached New Moon. I think I'll need to buy the other two this weekend and finish them up next week...
I think I have a bit more spare time to read than both of you... I don't care to watch TV most nights and I don't really know anybody in Waupun, so it's pretty boring. There's nothing to do in this town to meet new people. Kinda sucks. So, I read.
Let me know if you want me to slow down for you to catch up. I've got a buffer book that I can pick up again to waste some time (it's not as interesting as the Twilight series).
I can't believe I referenced "critical thinking" in a blog post...my copy should arrive within the next few days, and, if it's as easy a read as you ladies say, I'll catch up in no time.
OK, I got my book Thursday, and read half of it Friday, even with several distractions, such as, work.
I'm intrigued by Edward's "love" for Bella, if that's what it is...? I'm to the point where they're leaving the forest clearing following the day in the sun. Edward wants to protect her, but to what purpose? Is it love? Is it a thirst? Is it a sense of moral obligation on some level? As I read, I found my stomach tightening and caught myself feeling empathy for this couple. They want to be together, for a variety of purposes, but can it happen? OK, to work. Working on Saturdays should be outlawed.
OK, I finished Twilight, then got New Moon Saturday afternoon and finished it Saturday night.
I want Bella to end up with Edward. I just like him better than Jake. I get a more stable vibe from Edward. Jake seems like a loose cannon to me, and, while I don't want Bella to become a vampress right now, I do prefer with the Cullens.
The tone of the writing changed significantly from Twilight to New Moon, from a playful, almost tounge-in-cheek style, to a more serious, urgent tone befitting the plot. I don't know jack about werewolves or vampires, but I enjoy it. I definetly identify with the struggles of Bella and Edward, and, occassionally, the damn story does make me cry. It's probably hormonal...
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