Twilight’s Bella Swan is a Feminist’s Nightmare
Plenty of vampire-werewolf angst will be hitting the big screen later this month when The Twilight Saga: New Moon debuts in theaters across the country. The stories, penned by author Stephenie Meyer, have resonated with teen girls everywhere who affectionately call themselves, Twihards. This article is written from the perspective of someone who wasn’t familiar with the books, but decided to give the film a chance, and was thoroughly turned off by everything it had to offer.
The protagonist Bella Swan, isn’t a positive representation of what any young girl should aspire to be. She has no identity of her own and is under the constant influence of the male figures in her life. That type of nonchalant attitude towards her manipulation isn’t something that should be projected, especially to women in her age group who are starting to date for the first time.
Here’s the problem with Twilight…
Bella Constantly Needs a Male Figure in Her Life.
First Bella lives with her dad, then she becomes immediately infatuated with Edward and from then on, the vampire occupies her thoughts. In New Moon when he takes a leave of absence what’s a girl to do? Find something in them self? NO! Find another man! Enter Jacob, another troubled male figure who helps her cope with her loss and then leaves her hanging. Whatever happened to sitting down and having some me time?
Bella and Edward’s Double Standard
In Twilight, Edward is pretty much a stalker. He lurks in the shadows and follows Bella’s every move and even goes as far as watching her sleep. For some odd reason that’s considered sexy and dangerous, but in a good way. If the roles were reversed and a woman did that, she would immediately be labeled as a psycho, and the men in the white coats would come after her, but for some odd reason when Edward does it, it’s “romantic.”
Bella is a Shell of a Human Being.
She has no identity of her own, and literally loses her mind without the constant influence of vampire boy. At the end of Twilight, when Edward attempts to leave her in the hospital, she almost gives herself a stroke. Again in New Moon, when he tells her he has to go (because he’s a danger to her), she’s shown on the ground in the fetal position, looking a junkie whose about to kill herself. I get that they have a chemical bond, but they both exhibit actions towards one another that looks more like a drug addiction not a relationship. Hell, they can’t even have sex because of it, it sounds like they truly just need a fix. What kind of role model is that for 13-year-old girls who think that their crush on Johnny is exactly the same? It’s not okay!
Twilight Objectifies Women
Typically when you think of women being objectified in film it has to do with sex or nudity. In this case it has to do with both Edward and Jacob’s constant coddling of Bella. It’s as if she’s a fragile flower who always has to be protected. Both men make it their life’s work to keep her safe, even more than her own father does. Where’s her brain? Where’s her own sense of self?
This is Not a Healthy Relationship
Edward gets Bella to leave her family and friends to appease him, which eventually leads to marriage and a half vampire baby (which shouldn’t be possible since he’s dead)! It’s not OK for anyone, let alone a teenage girl to toss everything to the wind at a boyfriend’s request. It’s also not healthy for you to be drawn to someone who constantly reminds you that he wants to eat you for dinner. Bella really only connects with Edward on a chemical level, and their connection causes her to nearly kill herself multiple times over – that sounds more like meth than love to me.
Overall…
These are just a few of the major feminist issues with Stephenie Meyer’s leading lady. For something created by a woman directed at young women it’s sad to see so many negative characteristics in a female driven story. Bella isn’t a strong character and shouldn’t be revered for her behavior in these films. She’s nothing more than a shadow for a man rather than a pillar for herself and not only is that dangerous but it’s a discouraging message to send to girls.
Do you think Bella Swan is a bad influence for young women?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:35PM
Wow. You have no clue what you are talking about. Trying reading the books instead of taking the film at face value. You're wrong on so many levels.
Jacob only ever tries to protect Bella when she is in imminent danger. The rest of the time, he wants her to have fun and be, not necessarily dangerous, but he wants her to live. Granted, Edward is definitely overprotective, but as a character, he is immortal – virtually indestructible – and Bella is a soap bubble to him. She is so very breakable. Any rational person would want to protect the one he loves as best he can. It's called a, "character flaw."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:35PM
Edward never MAKES Bella do anything. As a matter of fact, he begs her to stay the way she is, and he tries to leave her in an attempt to keep her life going the way it would have been had he never entered the picture. She makes her own decisions and does what she wants. In this case, she just happens to want to be with the man she loves. What a CRAZY idea! And in the end, she doesn't have to abandon her family anyway.
And she is most certainly NOT dependent on men, least of all her father. She lives with him more out of necessity than choice. And if you read the books, you'd know SHE takes care of HIM. She's the strong one.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:36PM
And Jacob is neither troubled, nor her crutch to be used as a male replacement. Their relationship is about friendship. Yea. You know, like, you're a nice person, you make me happy, we have fun together, we're friends – FRIENDSHIP. That could easily happen with a girl. But truth be told, some girls get along better with guys, who can be easier to get along with, because girls can be nosy and petty and all the things guys aren't. Only later does it turn into any kind of affection. Why does a female that has a male friend immediately become this helpless, dependent sap?
I love how feminists try to twist everything so anything remotely beautiful turns into some sort of male conspiracy meant to demean women and render us forever damsels in distress. Give me a break, lady.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:53PM
Bella Swan is not a bad influence on girls. However "writers" like you are a bad influence on society.
Do you think every woman needs to be some raging feminist?? Women have emotions and are free to act on them. The character is of a typical teenage girl. She is a very strong character with passion.
Women putting down other women for who they are- that is a feminist's nightmare. This is why I am embarrassed of todays feminists. They spew nonsense.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:54PM
Bella is a highschool-age girl that is so confused. Do you know any girl at such age already aware what to do or what to pursue in life? I don't think it is fair to expect Bella to be young women's role model. Why should a book, especially one coming out of fantasy genre, to "teach" the readers what to do, what to want, how to act? You choose the wrong genre. You should read the Bible instead. No offense. Just saying… er, typing.
Oh yeah. In case you forget, Twilight is kinda Disney-like fairy tale. Girls at such young age love to dream. About romantic guys, who treat them like princess. I loved doing it at nights, and reading the books kinda send me back to that exciting feeling I once had. I guess Twilight (books and movies) are just not for grown-up women, who have lived long enough to find that such guy does not exist. LOL.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:33PM
I completely agree with the article! I was thinking those things and MORE as I read Twilight and New Moon.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:35PM
Ummm…I have to agree to an extent. The movie–at least the 1st one, as the 2nd doesn't come out for another week–depicts Bella as this shell of a girl with no real opinions/thoughts/strength/ANYTHING of her own. *Maybe that has more to do with Kristen Stewart's terrible acting than anything really wrong with the movie itself…but I digress…* The books–which are always better than the movies–give you a little more insight as to why she acts like she does and actually depict Bella as a more independent young woman with strong emotions/opinions and with actual motivations for the way she behaves.
I don't think that any of the characters in the books, nor the movies, are intended as a means for a "role model"…more mindless entertainment which, I don't care who you are, everyone has their guilty pleasures…and "Twilight" is definitely one of mine. Now, whether or not they inspire young girls to have some kind of false hope for that "perfect romance" is a different thing altogether.
Anyway…that's my 2 cents.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:53PM
"Whatever happened to sitting down and having some me time?" Would you want to read a book or watch a movie about someone's "me" time….BORING.
"He lurks in the shadows and follows Bella’s every move and even goes as far as watching her sleep. For some odd reason that’s considered sexy and dangerous, but in a good way."
I don't know if it's considered sext and dangerous, atleast that's not how it is portrayed in the book, but the only reason we know it's not creepy is because we know Edward, we know his character and his reasonings behind those actions. We know he is not some creeper trying to get in her window at night, he just wants to make sure she is ok. You would know that if you read the book.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:53PM
"It’s as if she’s a fragile flower who always has to be protected."
In their world of vampires and werewolves, she basically is.
"Edward gets Bella to leave her family and friends to appease him, which eventually leads to marriage and a half vampire baby (which shouldn’t be possible since he’s dead)!"
Edward NEVER forces Bella to do anything. If anything, he is the one trying to keep her human and wants her to live her life as normal as possible. But BELLA is stubborn and won't hear it. Vampire's aren't real, werewolves aren't real, it is a FANTASY/SCI FI book…anything can happen, half vampire babies included.
Overall, read the book that you are accusing these things of, until then you can't be taken seriously.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:01PM
its a book and a movie its not real you forgot that it may make girls wont to date 108 year old vampires to this writer is a retard
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:02PM
You're an idiot… you should have read the books.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:05PM
Defensive Twihards come out of the shadows. Screencrave is right on many levels. What has Bella done for herself? Does she have a great education? A great hobby that could lead to opportunities later in life? Is she a teen bride who is knocked up? yes. Stephenie Meyer is of the Mormon faith. There may be many of its values wrapped up in this fantasy tale.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:10PM
I'm not a feminist in any sense of the word, but I agree with this article. I think the romance is ridiculous and that Bella is a shallow, weak character with little ambition or goals. (I read Twilight, by the way.) I don't think characters or actresses/musicians should be role models, but (for whatever it's worth) the book sends a pretty crappy message to girls. Even if Bella is independent in certain respects, she has no desire to pursue an education or achieve anything for herself outside of marrying Edward, which is very backwards.
Not to mention, love shouldn't always be rational, but it shouldn't be this obsessive either. She's obsessed with him because he's beautiful and sexy and a vampire, and he's obsessed with her because… well, I never understood why he liked her. (Note: I read Midnight Sun, too.) It's dangerous to associate yourself so completely with your lover that you lose any sense of self, and this book basically paints that as "romantic" and a sign of "true love."
By the way, there are plenty of high school-aged girls who know what they want to do with their lives, or at the very least have an idea.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:49PM
Why the hell would anyone want to read the books after seeing the movies and hating them? Knowing that fans of the book are also fans of the movie only reinforces the fact that one should NOT read the books if they hate the movie.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:17AM
Wow people really take these Twilight books seriously. Criticize that empty vessel known as Bella and the whiny goth tears start a-flowin'.
Interesting article, right on many levels.
Even more interesting is the people who seem to be personally offended by this article (calling you an idiot, etc.) They know you're allowed to have an opinion, right? Films and novels are supposed to be analyzed and interpreted in different ways. Criticizing a film doesn't make you an idiot. Especially if you're criticizing a godawful piece of trash like Twilight. See, that right there, that was an opinion.
Girl power.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:26AM
I agree with you on so many levels. All I have to add — at least if the films were good then we would gain a good watching experience, but the films are terrible.
Well said
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:43AM
The films ARE terrible. The only reason I picked up Twilight in the first place was to see whether the book was as terrible as the movie.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:15AM
Meh. I could take it or leave it.
I love the story. For some reason it grabbed me and whisked me away. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I do have to say, Bella is someone who is a little too obsessed with Edward.
I understand being a teenager and being in love. I was there. I felt like I could connect to the Bella character on that level. When I was young like that, Iw anted everything to be about love and happiness and the guy. I'm woman enough to admit that. However, with Bella, she does seem to lose herself in the former part of the story. She cracks when Edward leaves her. I understand that she would be heartbroken, but because she engulfed herself so much into Edward, when he left, she basically became nothing. That IS unhealthy, whether it be a man or a woman.
As for Edward, he was a little bit overbearing for me. I would not like for a guy to treat my like a delicate flower or a bubble. However, in this context, Bella was most certainly a delicate flower in his world. Once she decided to be with Edward, she did need that protection, even though I think he was not very open in letting her decide how to handle the situation.
Outside of Edward, Bella does display great independence in her life. From her backstory on, she has been making difficult decisions throughout her life. With the exception of most of the 2nd book, she stands up for herself with all the decisions she makes. She WILL stay behind. She WILL save Edward from making a fool of himself. She WILL stay with him even though she is in danger. She WILL conquer evil with her wits and her heart. She takes care of her father, cares for Jacob, and helps her mother.
And I'll give you that Edward is kind of creepy, watching her every move and staying with her at night. I wouldn't like that. But then again, this is fantasy. Everything is dreamy and romantic. It's also about vampires, so any creepy thing they do is portrayed as sexy. That is just how vampire fantasies are.
But in regards to feminism, for me, it is about letting women choose what they want to do with their lives. If they want to work, let them work. And let them be successful at it. If they want to stay at home and love their kids, let them stay at home with the kids. And let them be successful at it. If they want to dance in the street all day, let them dance in the street all day. And let them be successful at it. Just make sure you do it so that you are proud of yourself and are happy at the end of the day. To me, that is what feminism is about.
So if Bella wants to be a married vampire teenager with a baby, then let her be that. The story shows in the end that she had a happily ever after, and in the end, that is all that matters, isn't it?
And hopefully, when young girls read this, someone wiser can discuss the story with them, because while this is just a story, it does have both positive and negative influence over young girls' minds.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:51AM
Your all stupid, i hate u all> U need to get lives!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:44AM
Feminism is the conviction that men and women should have equal rights. You're not a feminist in any sense of the word? I don't believe you're even aware of what the implications of that are. Most probably you weren't even aware of what the word meant before using it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:11PM
why is there always someone moaning on and on!! Get a life if you have no intrest in twilight then dont read the book or see the films. stop ruining it for the fans. Edward left Bella she is heartbroken and are you stupid ? he was her first love she doesnt know how to deal with it. jacob is a friend who falls for her. To me it makes sense. theres no need to be a ass about it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:29PM
I'd agree to a point with this. The films definitely make Bella's character worse than she actually is, but most of what you've mentioned is true and I've said the exact same thing – the stalking, the overprotectiveness, etc… For me, Bella is okay – a moaner, sure – but I'm just irritated by Edwards behaviour. I will say that before watching the films I was obsessed with the series but since the movie ended up being quite bad I've really seen the flaws of the book too. Oh well…
Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:16PM
[...] More here. [...]
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:21AM
I agree with all of the problems the author mentioned, but the thing that I really got caught up on is the fact that Meyer has this teenage girl get married, have sex and have a baby, in that order. I do not feel that teenagers are mature enough to marry OR raise a child. But all teenagers want to have sex, and for a Mormon writer the three are inseparable.
And if being a teenager isn't enough of a reason for this character not to have a child, she is told that carrying to term would mean certain death. I would never, ever tell a woman that going through with such a pregnancy was a good idea, but that is exactly the message Meyer conveys: abortion is unacceptable under ANY circumstances, even when your own life is forfeit. Of course things works out for Bella, but in real life this teen girl would die and leave her child motherless… but abortion is *far* worse?
And yes, Edward's stalking of Bella is nothing but creepy. The fact that "he just wants to watch over her" is moot. He does not own her, is not responsible for her, and he has no right to violate her privacy in such a way.
There's this joke: "it's only sexual harassment when the guy isn't hot." So let's change the scenario a little. We'll still say that Edward "wants to protect" Bella, but instead of superhot vampire, he's the nerdy kid with pimples who smells like chicken noodle soup. And he climbs to her window every night and watches her sleep. Most girls' gut reaction to this is "eww! what a creeper!" and their argument of using Edward's intentions to justify his actions completely fall apart.
I could go on, but I've already wasted too much time on this. The article was great, and those trying to put down the author as some cold, rigid feminazi really need to open their minds. You can still enjoy the book as a leisure read, but try to examine it critically enough that you can still protect yourself from the more harmful messages it conveys.
Peace
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:21PM
i love robert pattison
Friday, November 13, 2009 6:58AM
i agree with you and this article 100%. i love your comment. i read all the books and saw the movie and after analyzing it for myself I came up with the same conclusion. you took the words right out of my mouth!
did you notice that one of the main reasons why Bella wanted to become a vampire was to be beautiful like him? all i had to say was 'wow. really?'
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:03PM
I LOVE Twilight and I think Bella and Edward'srelationship is soromantic. I guess Bella' a little fragile sometimes, but you would be upset if the love of your life left you, wouldn't you? And remember, she's not just dealing with everyday problems, she's dealing with suernatural ones, so in that respect she's incredibly brave and is entitled to being a little dependant on the only people she can talk to about it all. I think it's dead sweet that Edward is so dedicated to looking out for her, and that Jacob is too. After all, they love her and she loves them. But then, you could never convince me that Twilight is bad…
Friday, November 13, 2009 10:35PM
completely and totally agree 110% percent. Bella Swan is not a role model for young girls in any sense.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 3:07AM
Here's a good question that is seemingly ignored in this entire discussion … Is it the role of movies and novels to instruct young people and provide them with good role models?
Personally, I don't think so.
The Twilight series is entertaining. I love it. While I recognize the validity of many of the points put forth by the article's author, I have a fundamental problem with the way in which the discussion is framed. It is assumed that the books and movies should educate young women. It is also assumed that they should educate young women according to a particular ideology. I disagree with both assumptions.
For me, art is about beauty, passion, and meaningful subjective responses. I happen to think the the Twilight series of novels, and the first movie to a certain extent, are beautiful and moving. I think the books in particular are extraordinary works of art.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:48AM
who cares
feminists are retarded as well as women
this is a very ridiculous article
Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:49AM
Dear God, people. For the love of GOD. The baby almost rips her body in half. How the hell is that a good, romantic novel? You're all sick. At least feminists choose not to be with men many times because they know most men are disgusting, but at least they don't portray men to be godly creatures that need to do everything right. Plus, you're all fat.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 7:57AM
I love how defensive people are getting over this. Seriously guys? It's just a web article. Relax.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 8:06AM
Not particularly insightful or original, but thanks for sharing. This was just your excuse for being indignant.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:07AM
I have a bird named Bella, she says TWEET!!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009 2:10PM
I like the article and agree with the author. I read the books and watched the movie and I am appalled at the portrayal of the female lead character. She is constantly treated as a child by everybody around her, people grab her and carry her around, her boyfriend is constantly telling her what to do (in her best interest of course) and she is so dependent on him, that she falls into a deep depression when he leaves her in the second book. What surprises me most is the fact, that not only teenage girls seem to feel this is romantic but also grown up women. The Suffragette Movement and female liberation obviously didn't change as much as I always thought.
Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:57PM
neither are the guys in this movie.
Monday, November 16, 2009 5:04PM
[...] Twilight’s Bella Swan is a Feminist’s Nightmare [...]
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:46AM
It's fiction, you psychos. Who gives a sh*t what a vampire does to a high school girl? They're not effing real! In a world where vampires existed, -this- could qualify as an issue. But since it's not, you all need a serious reality check; all comments, and the author, check into serious psychiatric care if you feel you've been slighted emotionally by a male vampire dominated media, or by women who need vampires in their lives.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:26AM
She's still dependent on men seeing as that she goes suicidal in the second book just to hear Edward's voice inside her head. It is NOT love it is an obsession. There is a difference.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:46AM
She is a bit of a bad influence though since she always seems to be trying to jump into Edward's pants whenever they kiss. This is supposed to be a "Tween" book which means that girls as young as 11(maybe even younger) could be reading this. Usually, sexual situations are reserved for actual teen novels aimed a high school girls girls anywhere from 11-wherever. Every other tween/pre-teen book I've read has managed to have romance without the sex and with the girl not going suicidal the minute things don't work out with her significant other. If she was a stronger character then she wouldn't curl up to die when her boyfriend leaves her for her own good. She is willing to give up right then and then instead of getting up and trying to DO something about the situation like, oh, I don't know, maybe finding that boyfriend to kick his butt for dumping? Just about every girl I know would go crying to their friends and have a mob after their boyfriend if they were dumped like that. Bella is not typical she's stereotypical. The new girl who's so shy but just so happens to be soooo gorgeous, everyone loves her and she gets the perfect boyfriend with the perfect relationship. Yeah. Because that totally happens every day to nearly every teenage girl.
Honestly, I'm glad SOMEONE can see the mistakes in Twilight and can see that its NOT the greatest thing since…well…ever…as some people are inclined to believe.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 5:56PM
It's obvious you have not read the books. If you did, then you would see that the Twilight Saga is a beautiful love story. Edward and Bella can not live without each other. Edward is a vampire and Bella is a human. It's not supposed to realistic. How many vampires do you meet in your day to day life? Not many.
I don't believe Stephanie Meyer wrote these books with the intent to make Bella a role model. Young girls should know the difference between reality and fantasy anyway. Young girls are faced with the everyday struggle of being expected to look like the girls in magazines. Perfect bodies that are airbrushed so they appear to have no flaws and eating disorders.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that. Regardless if you like Twilight or not, the movie is going to make millions of dollars this weekend.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:55PM
You have pretty much hit the nail on the head. I applaud you, and only wish more people saw through the wish fulfillment and horrible ideals the novel portrays. As for those who complain about feminists twisting things up an what not? Maybe it's because you are too scared to admit to the fact that your own lives lack so much satisfaction that you have to rely on the result of a broken condom of the literature family. Why is it that a story about the an abusive relationship is glorifed? And why is it that the only descent character in the series (and even then SMeyers screwed him over), probably the only character in the series who you can see some sort of character development- will forever be known as a pedowolf? Jacob Black stood out as real, and probably the only evidense that Meyers might have some slight chance that she could redeem her self from such a degrading literary beginning. If you can consider this series as literature.
Yes, of course feminism is about choice, and sometimes the choice you make isn't going to be the most beneficial- but the choice to use the one person who was patient enough to pull you out of your own little world of heart ache and gloom and put the light back into that world of yours? To reject them and play around with them? To use the "Oh, he's just a friend, so that totally justifies my reason for messing with his emotions" excuse? To ditch that one person and run off to find the loser who made you depressed in the first place? So the message of the story is, stick with the guy who treated you like crap- because he sparkles.
Please, Twilight is an offence to romance. Twilight is an offence to all who believe that love is not about the aroma of someones blood, or the looks of some mysterious lurker (which is what this so called epic romance started on, and distgustingly continued with. That's right, their relationship did not develop beyond that point.)- that love runs deeper than that. Everything about the romance in the world of Twilight is very materialistic and very shallow.
Maybe, just maybe- Twilight could have been a respcted peice of literature, with a far more respectable fanbase had it not have portrayed this shallow and materialistic "romance" as something cute and ideal. Something so virtuous- when clearly, it is none of that.
There are many famous peices of literature that have had similar relationships like Bella and Edwards- and the reasons behind their acclaim was that they were all honest about the types of romance portrayed and very well aware of how twisted it was.- they turned into psychological rollercoaster rides in the world of obsession and pain and anguish. They brought a reality to it.
There is a lot more I could say about Twilight- though I believe that everyone has the right to reading it I still want to know- if we are all so damn happy with our lives, why do we still seek solace and comfort and enjoyment in shallow texts such as these?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:26PM
It really does look like a drug addiction than a proper relationship. But then again, a human's teen period is sort of like that… with crazy hormones.
In response to Demelza Requiem: Whether it is the role or not, it unfortunately has the effect of setting up "role models" for young people, who may perceive certain characters as "cool." This is especially true during teenage years as evidenced by "high school cliques" and what is considered cool and therefore should be followed opposed to those that are uncool and therefore should be shunned.
If entertainment = pedophile stalking vampires who sparkle under the Sun, I think I'll just stick to the un-entertainig classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen for my romance fix.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:19PM
No one seems to have brought up the inescapable fact that the young are easily influenced by what ever they are exposed to. They seek to imitate what they see. Bella’s way of coping of lack there of shows girls that it’s ok to completely focus your life on one person despite the fact that doing so can be highly detrimental to living a productive life. Treating life like it is meaningless after someone breaks up with you is not going to help anyone. Promotes negative lifestyle with adverse psychological effects, bravo Bella
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:51PM
Please imagine a Bella, clumsy, self-depreciating, complaining about the rain, with no interest in life, not very athletic, quite a depressing character, no friends, condescending to others, parents included; a Bella who never ever meets anyone more interesting than the Mike of the shop and ends up dating him. A Bella without werewolf or vampire. Would you still be interested to be in her shoes? I don't think so somehow. A good character is a character that can stand by itslef. A character you should be able to love and would want to meet. I wouldn't want to be friends with Bella, I would rather be friends with Anne Eliott in Persuasion, who broke up with her lover too, but fought in a more quiet and noble way towards true independance, equality and complementarity.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:12PM
[...] Twilight’s Bella Swan is a Feminist’s Nightmare [...]
Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:11AM
I think you need to justify your comment before you go off and make yourself look like a real idiot
Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:44AM
I hate Twilight, but that's it. If you ask for a reason, I'll give you one, but other than that, I just live my life as is. People need to stop taking Twilight so seriously. It's JUST A BOOK.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:23AM
Obviously most people don't get that the discussion is on two levels. OF COURSE IT'S AN EFFING BOOK/MOVIE. We all know, that vampires don't run around the country and maybe the way the characters behave in the novel is logical and stringent in their fictional world. IN the fiction it makes sense, that Bella is protected by everybody else, because in comparison she is too vulnerable.
But on the non-fictional level this is the story about two people who are addicted to one another in a not so healthy way and it portrayes women as helpless and childish. Of course you have to be careful with interpretations but lets face it, this book is not "Ulysses" and it is not too hard to see the worldview behing it.
Literature and movies do influence people and to say they don't is to underestimate the power the imagination has over the mind, especially in the case of young people. I'm not propagating bans or anything, but I think a discussion can and has to take place. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy reading the book. I enjoy reading Jane Austen but that doesn't mean I can't think about it and also be critical about certain points.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:19PM
why do people smiley face insults? I think that's the stupid thing.
By the way, i just saw New Moon about a half hour ago, compared to Twilight it's really quite shait! Way to much soppy romance. I wasn't expecting great as it's the worst book of the series but it really was just annoying. One of the best things about Twilight was the great soundtrack. New Moon has some of that but is mostly symphonies. That new director should realize his main audience will not be pleased with symphonies.
Oh and with all this feminist crap… well i think Bella is a bit over the top (no-one falls in love in a week honey) and Edward does come across a bit stalkerish, not to forget Jacob who in Eclipse becomes the worlds biggest asshole. But it's a story, and as much as i think Bella is whinny and way too attached, it also has some very real feelings about love that anyone who has been in love can relate to. I'm sure anyone would do as much as they can for someone whom they loved. Which is what all the characters do. Do as much as they possibly can to stop there loves from feeling pain. Bella to Edward, Edward to Bella, Jacob to Bella, and at a time Bella to Jacob.
Oh an i don't think that id it were real that many people would pass up becoming a vampire. Photographic memory, stupidly fast and strong, not to mention its an easy way to make ugly people pretty. Oh sorry was that not feminist enough. Sorry all women are beautiful. just some are beautifully ugly.
Please excuse my bad grammar, it's 2am and i can't sleep.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:09PM
i agree with everything you said and started laughing at the end where u were talking about feminists. its all true. twilight is a beautiful story and this lady has completely got it all wrong…
Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:12PM
i agree with everything u said except about her reading the bible… that book is riddled with nonsence…
Saturday, November 21, 2009 3:09PM
[...] college co-eds on a high-horse, or literary buffs citing misogynist undertones to the text and backwards female thinking (read: Bella is willing to give up everything for Edward). Listen, I study Creative Writing in [...]
Sunday, November 22, 2009 2:16PM
Twihards need to grow up. I get it, you're a bunch of whiny teeny boppers that want a sparkling boyfriend but it's not gonna happen. You're going to wind up with a stalker that wants to dominate you. So listen to this article. It has some valid points. Give it a rest. Meyer is a mediocre author and the influence on young women is disgusting. I don't give a shit about what you think of feminism but this novel is patriarchal. Want to resort back to being objects rather than people? Didn't think so.
Monday, November 23, 2009 4:37PM
I completely agree. This is a very dangerous message and I hope parents of these young fans can explain the difference btw fiction and reality. This relationship is not romantic or one to be desired, it is simply entertainment. She is a very weak protagonist from a storyline point of view.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:30AM
I have to say that what did anybody expect, since Mormons themselves are very sexist towards women. Do a little research. Twilight appeals to the Pilgrim culture that is still lingering in American culture, and is the jumpstart of the regression of everything women fought for in the 60s.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 7:36AM
When I was referring to Mormons, I'm sure you know, but Stephanie Meyers the author is Mormon. Mormon women are inferior to Mormon men, period. Mormonism itself is very cultish, and it's debatable whether it's a religion based on a lie, I mean come on, their beliefs that the Native Americans used to be white but their skins were darkened as punishment for their sins. YES THAT'S A TRUE BELIEF, I AM NOT MAKING THAT UP. That is the reason black people were not allowed to become Mormons for years.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:05PM
I also have to say that when you see women talking about "feminism" as if it's something to be shameful about as seen in the comments, you can assume that that's internalized sexism in itself and could possibly be coming from a Mormon woman herself who has unconsciously internalized those sexist beliefs, or just a woman of any religion who has unconsciously internalized those sexist beliefs, and that is just sad. Maybe Twilight is a beautiful love story that could stand on it's own, but it's quite another to not realize why it would be a bad role model for teenage girls. What part of "weak emotionally abused woman dependant on a man" part of the Twilight story do you think is justifiable? I don't, since I grew up as that until horrible things happened to me, and then I realized how horrible the life I was living was, having no identity without having a man there in my life.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 10:13PM
Even if they don't INTEND to instruct young people and provide good role models, the fact remains that teenagers always look up to book characters, TV/Movie characters, actors, singers, etc and want do be like them. We teenagers are at a time when we are easily influenced and some of the girls reading it are very young and aren't even teenagers yet. They can start to think that some of the stuff in the books is OK and normal or that they can have the exact same type of romance as Bella and want to have that romance- marriage and all. So while it may not be the role of movies and novels to teach young people, that doesn't mean that they don't.
Thursday, November 26, 2009 7:51PM
Extremely funny to see some of the comments people posted here. Not because of their opinions, but the way they expressed them. You make yourself sound like the "idiots" here instead. Anyhow, the article is fairly correct in my opinion. This is coming from someone who has read all four books, and will see all four movies. I am a fan, I think it's a cute story, this does not, however, stop it from being a wrong portrayal of female-male relationships. Bella possess all the characteristics of your "perfect housewife". She is docile, self-sacrificing, patient, and "flimsy" (the fainting at the sight of blood, the clumsiness,etc, etc). Men at school chase her instead of her intellectually driven friend Angela, and sexually strong friend Jessica (I think is the name). Both are also unsurprisingly played by less attractive female actresses. Both friend's male-interests also peruse Bella and then settle for the other girls once she becomes unavailable. Bella sacrifices herself, and her life, and her everything in order to be with Edward. True, that is her decision… but when does Edward to that for her? He leaves when he pleases, comes when he pleases, makes all the plans, asks her to do what he wants (even if it is right for her, aka saying in school, not being a vampire, etc). Edward makes all the logical decisions, and is self-restrained, strong, not prey to strong emotions. Bella is the complete opposite and throws her life away for the man she loves. Instead of him meeting her half way in the situation, Bella has to be in danger of dying to get what she wants out of the relationship (not to mention the baby).
I would also have to agree that her character is practically always defined by the man she is with. What did happen to the me time?
And the sexual consequence? Bella finally get's what she wants from Edward, not to mention, only after she gives into what he demands (marriage), and becomes pregnant. Her sexual desire has now been repaid with a child who threatens her very existence. The article A vampire love (or something or other) makes a good point about how when Bella finally does become a vampire, she becomes Edwards equal. She is no longer defined by him but stands at the same ground. She is no longer flimsy and holds her own physic power which "saves the day" in the last book.
It does not change the fact that Bella becomes this way by finding a man, and self-sacrificing. Isn't this what feminism has been trying to prove wrong? Women can find themselves, and become strong, independent and self-sufficient simply by themselves. They don't need men to achieve their highest goals. Twilight is the exact opposite.
Monday, November 30, 2009 2:57PM
I have yet to read the book and was actually anti twillight for the longest time due to all the hype. But then my boyfriend and I paperviewed the first movie for kicks and giggles and I was captivated by the storyline of true love. I think the empty shell your talking about ins't a girl who is despreate for male attention, but a young girl who is truly in love. Like the kind of love most people only ever dream about. Have you ever had your heart broken?? I know I would act the same way. I went out and bought the first two books. I love to read and yes I'm a Harry Potter fan but I aways prided myself on the fact that I read the books since they first came out. Waited in line at midnight. Dissapointed by the movies. I was in it before the hype. That's why I refused twilight. But I plan to read the books and decide from there. But As much as I hate to admit it. I think I'm in love already…..
Thursday, December 3, 2009 3:19AM
I have never read anything as terrible as these books, and I can't wait for the obsession to end. Trust me, nobody will remember it in a few years.
Thank god we have some good fantasy left in this world – Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, anyone?
Saturday, December 5, 2009 8:41PM
[...] an awesome link that you should read; Bella Swan is a feminist nightmare. Posted by nutd Filed in Reviews Leave a Comment [...]
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 12:19AM
You're absolutely right! I loved reading this! It makes so many great points. Twilight and Bella are both stupid. Enough said.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 5:00PM
It was a terrible movie and a mediocre book at best.
Stop talking up this shitty book series like it actually worth its weight in paper.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 2:52AM
That's why some retards should actually read the book instead of judging the joke of a movie. Twilight was horrible if you've ever read the book, but you have to give New Moon credit with the new director. Anyways, everything you've said in this, is countered in the books. It's all considered and thought about in detail. For example, you talk about how Bella would be considered a psycho if it was the reverse, but when Edward does it it's attractive. In the book, Bella is surprised that she felt like that, but she couldn't help herself. The rest is to show how deep the love is in this. So haters, keep your mouths shut.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 3:44AM
All of you who beat down the writer of this article are pathetic. You really care that much about these books to defend them so harshly? It's called the free speech you morons.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 4:47AM
i love this article, i agree with it completely. If these nut job girls need a fictional female character from some fantasy novel (which young women should never idolize fiction anyway) let it be Hermoine Granger. She is smart, independent and brave. But like i said, young girls should be looking at REAL young women, not a scared , hollow finational character like Bella. And a man watching you sleep, is NOT okay. Where's my holy water and a stick.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 8:58PM
I read all the books. They’re complete trash. Smeyer is a sexist. Edward is creepy. Bella has no personality and can’t survive without a man. She’s incapable of even understanding mechanics because she’s a woman – she admits this to herself in the first chapters of New Moon.
Also, let’s not forget, Bella wanting to have sex before marriage, as a human, in Eclipse, and Edward calling the shots on that. On HER virginity!!! This couple doesn’t have a healthy relationship. If I ever saw someone act like that as a couple, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them split a month into it.
It’s a good thing these are fictional characters and can be forced to work. IN real life, they wouldn’t.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 5:50PM
its funny how everyone is saying "You should have read the books. Bella's not like that." when its a review of the movie and everybody should know that the Book is not the Movie.
Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:31AM
Fuck you feminist pieces of shit.
Saturday, December 19, 2009 2:58PM
It's bloody fiction, do you actually know the difference between fiction and non-fiction…. God I hate all the rants about this movie. Granted i do not like it myself (Vampires should burn in the sun not bloody sparkle) but I'm not going to go worrying myself over it. Wah wah wah thats all you get from both haters and lover of this show. Ok lets take a harry potter movie. The little b'tard made his aunt blow up and float away surely she could have died (lack of oxygen at such a height) did the little tool even try to set it right no he ran away and why because some evil twat kill his parents oh woe is he. Do you think maybe he should be locked up? Surely that falls into one of the attempted homicide categories…
Teenage girls are not interested in any random boy watching them sleep, they want Robert Paterson to watch them sleep 2 years ago they wanted Zach Efron to watch them sleep next year it'll be some other clown Wise up and get a life the lot of ya. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh rant over
Monday, December 21, 2009 7:35PM
Okay, I am a guy and I did read the books. It was all my girlfriend would talk about so I checked them out. There is absolutely nothing healthy about that relationship. And there is most definitely nothing healthy about a bunch of 30-50 year old women screaming for a 22 and 17 year old kid. Get out of the cradle and sleep with men your own age. This book was written so that every die hard romantic on the face of the planet would swoon and fall in love with Edward the vampire. As for Bella being a bad influence on girls, no way. As much as young women, and even some middle aged ones, love these books they can't take them seriously. It is up to the parents, or in the middle-aged cases, themselves to separate fiction from reality. This is a skill most people are seriously lacking and if you spend one second comparing real people to any of the characters in those books, you are going to have a sad, disappointing life. Just appreciate the books and movies for what they are, a teenager's temporary escape from reality. A poorly written escape from reality at that!
Saturday, December 26, 2009 4:19AM
Bella is a whiney, self-centered, one-sided character who does nothing but b**** and complain. Edward is abusive emotionally and verbally. He gets SO MAD AT HER and always plays up the SAD, HEARTBROKEN VAMPIRE WHO WILL DIE WITHOUT BELLA'S LOVE. So, Bella returns to him. When she should get a restraining order or whatever.
Yes, I read the books, I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!
Twilight was addictive. Yet I hated it. My friend let me borrow New Moon to let me read beach side on a camping trip. I was hooked on the first bit, and thought it was good Jacob was turning up decent when Edward was such a LOSER. I read to the end to see what happened. Turns out, Bella leaves the guy who was nice and went to Edward, who LEFT HER. Anyway, I was SO MAD. My friend had to have our other two guy friends plus her restraining me from throwing it into the lake……ahhhhh…… good times.
Anyway, Bella is b*****, Eddy's a LOSER, and Jacob was decent, and deserved MUCH BETTER THAN A NEGATIVE, (see 1st pharagraph), INSECURE, CLINGY, TEENAGER WITH SO MUCH GROWING UP TO DO.
Saturday, December 26, 2009 1:16PM
"Me Time" isn't necessarily about sitting around watching TV. It can be about self-discovery. Imagine a book about a teenage girl who moves to a new town and then has to face ALL the challenges of life (not just romantic ones). She's got to make friends, she maybe has family issues to deal with since her parents are divorced, then maybe something can happen at school, etc. It can still have a romantic story arc, with a vampire if need be, but if Bella is the main character, then the story should be about her. All of her. Not just her opinion on Mr. Topaz-eyed Glitter-skinned Miracle Boy.
("Little Women," "Anne of Green Gables," and if we're talking about someone older, then "Out Of Africa" might be better examples to contrast.)
I think THAT is why Bella comes across as a flat character. She spends way too much time thinking about Edward, and not enough time doing anything else that would make her look like a realistic person. And if Edward is so concerned about her all the time (he wouldn't keep putting her in danger, for one thing), then he doesn't really have a life beyond her either. Therefore, they come across as codependent, not in love.
Love is about two people coming together to share a part of their lives, not about two notions of people who are designed to be in love and do nothing else.
And about Edward only wanting to make sure Bella is okay? I think he does WAY too many things that put her in danger for that to be believable. (The piggy-back ride that reads like she's afraid, breaking her car, leaving her with his family when he knows they attacked her, getting her pregnant even though having a vampire baby involves her getting her guts ripped open, etc). Edward is not in love; he's just playing with his food.
Saturday, December 26, 2009 1:26PM
Vampires are not real, but control freaks are. Edward is a control freak. That's the problem.
Monday, December 28, 2009 12:06PM
Ahhhhh! I haven’t read the fourth book I could kill you for ruining the part with the baby!
Monday, December 28, 2009 8:43PM
You guys are ridiculous – standing up for a movie because you probably more into the loks of the male character. A lot of films that have been coming out recently, that has suited to this demographic, has digressed the female heroine completely. So instead of bashing people who agree, maybe it's you who needs to have an open mind and be more aware of what is being marketed to you. It is your responsibility to be educated, and be aware of character typecasting. Hey if you like to watch these movies for entertainment, totally cool. But there has been an unhealthy obsession over this film, and the characters in it. Wake up people, its a cheesy teen romance book.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:45AM
First of all, anyone who believes that women should be equal to men is a feminist. That is pretty much every woman out there. The image of feminists being ugly, hairy lesbian hippies was created by men and the media to try to discredit the excellent points women were making.
As for Bella, I agree with a lot of what the writier says but there were a number of things about Bella's character that I disliked. The way she treats her friends for example. She regularly ditches her group of human friends at school as soon as something more interesting comes her way. In 'New Moon' Bella puts herself and Jessica in danger, and Jessica, quite rightly, stops trying to be friends with Bella and is quite annoyed at her. I would feel the same way if a friend repeatedly ditched me for guys and didn't listen when I spoke to them.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:46AM
Also, Bella's weaknesses are celebrated in the book. She doesn't have cerebral palsy, so why the hell can't she go for a walk or hit a ball without some kind of major catastrophe? I am not very co-ordinated by I can walk without falling down! Her physical fragility is grossly exaggerated which is what some women find annoying. On top of the fact that she constantly relies heavily on her supernatural men to help her.
Bella is a hypocrite. She is not strong enough to stay away from temptation, then she constantly worries about how her family is in danger. She creates that danger with the associations she chooses. In Twilight, Edward tries repeatedly to warn her away from him and his family but she ignores him. Plenty of nice, normal guys want to go out with Bella but she chooses the dangerous one.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:46AM
The thing that annoys me the most about Bella her lack of autonomy. She simply can't cope with being alone or find strength within herself. Other people, including myself, have been heartbroken, but instead of sinking into dispair for months or seeking danger most people put more effort into work.study/friendship and family to recover. Bella becomes delusional, and what's worse, she encourages these delusions.
Overall, I am enjoying reading the Twilight series, however I do feel that Bella is a disappointing main character and she is a bad role model for young girls. If you want a great love story try 'Pride and Predjudice', Elizabeth is a fantasitc role model and an excellent character to boot, she's a million miles ahead of Bella and has been a favourite with women for around 300 years.
Sunday, January 3, 2010 12:51PM
Bella Swan, though she is rationally a fictional character is alive. You say that Bella is using men as crutch, and that she is just a shell of an actual human being. What is wrong with that? I am sure there are plenty of people out there that fit that standard. i know I do. yes, other role models could be perused and set on a mannequine to be admired, but Bella is almost real. You can pick her out of the crowd in new york, or look in the mirror and see her. She gives us all hope that even though we are selfless and love more than ever, and are complete nobodies, we can still go out as plain as a sheet and be something for someone. Don’t disregard Bella as a bad role model just becasue you hate the books, think she is a selfless being, dislike her for bigger reasons, reasons that I can’t possibly see.
Sunday, January 10, 2010 5:44PM
bella doesn`t have to have a guy with her all the time.she is FRIENDS with jacob and she hangs out with him because she barely has any friends with edward gone,because she was also friends with the cullens.and all the people she used to hang out with at school don`t talk to her because she quit hanging out with them when she became so close to the cullens.and i have to admit it is weird for a guy to watch you sleep,but this isn`t a normal movie,VAMPIRES,hello?it`s going to be weird.it isn`t even real so i don`t know why everyone is making such a big deal about it.everyone has their opinions.if your not going to say something good,don`t say ANYTHING.or your going to have everyone comment on it and be all mad…
Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:11PM
Lady, I'M a..well, not a TYPICAL teenage girl, since I'm not as stupid as Bella, but I am a teenage girl, and even I think Bella is a weak, whiny little bitch.
Now, I have no problem with a woman choosing the way to live her life, if a woman wants to have a career, she can. If a woman wants to be a mother, she can. But when a woman, no, a GIRL, decides that her entire LIFE revolves around her 'true love', I have a problem.
Bella is not strong. She is weak and teaches girls that relying on a man is the only way to be happy. When Edward leaves her, she basically decides her life is over. She'll do anything, even JUMP OFF A CLIFF, to hear his voice, in her HEAD.
That is not love, it's OBSESSION, and it's NOT healthy. Now, imagine young girls, young IMPRESSIONABLE girls, reading this and wanting to BE LIKE BELLA.
NOW tell me she's not a bad influence.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:54PM
There is nothing romantic about this relationship. It promotes all the wrong things to teenage girls. Look at it this: if it was your daughter would you want her to be a shell of a person without a boyfriend in her life? There are many good things about this series, but it had a chance to be so much better. Bella could have been a wonderful role model for girls everywhere but in the end she is a disappointment. No matter what why you look at it, Edward displays stalker like qualities, watching her sleep, breaking into her house. He is also controlling, wanting her to stay away from her best friend that helped her through a difficult time. Edward and Bella's relationship is not a realistic one at all.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:58PM
Twilight is nothing like the Disney fairy tales. Where in Disney does the prince climb into the princess' castle without her permission and watch her sleep? High school girls are confused but how does giving up your future and family help with that?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 2:02PM
i have read the books and the writer is completely right about all her opinions. If this was some normal guy and not some "hot" vampire, bella would be calling the police.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:21AM
the writer of this article may be thinks Twilight is real.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 11:15AM
the movies do slighty show bella as someone who needs men However, she moves in with her dad to allow her mother and stepdad to travel and ends up liking it in forks and doesnt want to move back, not just that but she takes care of her dad and spend alot of time home alone when he is at work. The books inform us that Edward has never loved anyone or been in a relationship before which suggest that his love for bella is very deep. Edward fears for bella and you have to keep in mind that to edward bella is very fragile and he wants to protect the person that he loves. Edward whatches bella sleep partly because he is curious. He has been around vampires who dont sleep for so long that the thought of someone sleeping intrests him. In past vampire stories and tales vampires connections with people are much stronger than normal which is why he is so protective and why they struggle to be without each other. Bella turns to Jacob because they have a special friendship -They were childhood friends-. I also turned to someone who was a boy when i broke up with my first love not because i needed a male in my life but because my best friend happend to be male.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 11:15AM
The history between The vampires and the wolves isnt good and they believe that each other are dangerous. To Edward and jacob letting bella be friends with the other person would be like you letting your daughter be with a murderer. Bella does stand up to edward and jacob alot telling htem what she is doing and telling them to acept it so she has some personality. Lastly it is a fictional story so everything is out of proportion so that it is clear what is happening and to grab attention. what about snow white, why does she need a man to revive her. Repunsil need to be saved by a man. Cinderella another childhood character that is saved by a man. The thing is young girls dream that they will find their perfect prince charming and Edward is just another example of one. My opinion is that you should just whatch/read it to enjoy it dont nit-pick. If you dont enjoy it then thats fine but dont judge it.
Friday, February 19, 2010 1:00PM
I am a fan of twilight movie and book and I was watching it the other day and wondered, how and why are they in love? She first sees him he freaks out and she gets pissed and maybe its from him saving her, but he tells her he wanted to kill her and he has before but, she is okay with it. why is edward to in love with a girl and he wants to drink her blood. I just dont understand what makes them so intrested in eachother a girl who fell in love with a vampire that wanted to kill her after a few months and a vampire who wanted a girls blood so bad and cant read her mind. Im not finding any chemistry to overprotective stubborn people do not make a happy couple. It does sound a bit creepy when you think about it lol. But its fiction, but i am looking forward to eclipse im just starting looking at it in a different way.
Friday, March 5, 2010 9:22PM
I agree with you, but hang on:
"Where in Disney does the prince climb into the princess' castle without her permission and watch her sleep?"
Answer – Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, etc.
It's pretty common.
Monday, March 15, 2010 2:14PM
Half the reason why we like to berate Twilight is because you Twihards are so easy to piss off. You guys don't get it, do you? We live on your tears
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 1:19AM
My problem with Bella is that she doesn't seem to have much of a personality. Why does Edward love her? In the beginning of New Moon, she complains that he's not going to love her when she's old and ugly, which in itself is a troubling statement on Bella's part. However, Edward asks her if she understands how much he loves her, and much like Bella, I'm baffled about what the attraction to Bella is. She seems mousey and weak-willed. Unfortunately, girls like Bella are far too common, so I'm left scratching my head wondering what a hundred year old vampire sees in a completely average eighteen year old. If she was outstandingly mature or sophisticated, I'd understand, but her only virtue seems to be that she isn't as materialistic and vapid as her highschool counterparts. Is that a big accomplishment?
Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:14AM
@Alicia.
You're retarded. The author of this is absolutely right, and having read all of the books I can confidently say that Bella is an awful influence for young girls. Because of characters like her young woman will grow up under the assumption to be this sort of damsel in distress type of person.
@the Author,
Well done. I agree completely.