‘Twilight’: A Positive or Negative Influence for Teens?
by Carissa Smith
9 July 2008
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Even if you aren’t a female between the ages of 11 and 18, chances are you’ve heard of Twilight, the first volume of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling vampire romance/adventure series. You may have seen the striking book cover, with two pale hands clasping an apple (“Whack!” goes the symbolism.). You may have seen the trailer for the movie, directed by Catherine Hardwicke (The Nativity Story) and slated for release in December. You may have heard a group of girls squealing and sighing over the name “Edward Cullen.”
However, I’m guessing, based on a brief Google search, that you may not have seen much Christian commentary on the series. I’ll attempt to provide some here, focusing on the novel’s potential effects on teens, since they’re its target audience. Let me state right off, though, that I’m not a parent, nor am I a teen anymore, so take my perspective for what it’s worth. Also, if you’re someone who’s concerned about Twilight because it deals with vampires, and vampires are supernatural, then my approach probably isn’t going to satisfy you. I’m starting from the assumption that fantasy has much to show us about ultimate truth. I’m more interested exploring how the version of love presented in Twilight is and isn’t consistent with the Christian ideal of love.
So here’s the spoiler-free plot summary for those of you who are behind: 17-year-old Bella Swan moves to the tiny town of Forks, Washington, to live with her father when her mother gets remarried. There she meets the Cullens, a family of “vegetarian” vampires (they only drink the blood of animals they hunt in the woods). Romance with Edward Cullen, the eternally 17-year-old son of the family, ensues, as does some suspense and adventure.
From what I can tell, many parents are happy about Twilight because, unlike many teen novels these days, its protagonists do not have sex. Granted, this is partly for practical reasons, since Meyer’s vampires possess super-strength and, Edward explains, if he ever lost control, he might accidentally crush Bella. Not your average reason for teen abstinence. Bella isn’t particularly religious, and we don’t learn more about Edward’s beliefs until New Moon, so it wouldn’t make sense within the story for them to have a more principled reason. Stephenie Meyer is Mormon, and she’s stated in interviews that this is part of the reason that she will never include a sex scene in her books. So it’s a fairly clean read, but teens can’t really apply the characters’ motivations to their own decisions about sexual activity.
What I see as actually more important and relevant to moral issues is the Cullens’ abstention from drinking human blood. The Cullens have definite beliefs about right and wrong, and they strive hard, against their instincts, to pursue right. When Bella asks Edward how he can work so hard to resist regular vampiric tendencies, Edward replies, “But you see, just because we’ve been . . . dealt a certain hand . . . it doesn’t mean that we can’t choose to rise above—to conquer the boundaries of a destiny that none of us wanted. To try to retain whatever essential humanity we can.” Quite admirable.
Carlisle Cullen, the family’s “father” (none of the Cullens are related by blood—they’re bound together by their “vegetarian” lifestyle choice), is so driven by compassion and the desire to save human life that he has become a doctor, in spite of the constant temptation in which that places him (exposure to human blood, etc.). Edward is drawn to Bella both in the normal, human, hormonal way, as well as thirsting for her blood, which requires him to practice a lot of self-control, especially when they’re in close physical proximity. Young readers may get a little obsessive and squealy about Edward, but there are worse things than having a crush on a character whose prominent virtue is self-control. Granted, they’re probably more excited about his perfect face and well-muscled chest and lovely topaz eyes (the descriptions of Edward’s physical perfection do get a little girly), but maybe they’ll learn to admire his non-physical characteristics as well.
I should mention, though, that the self-control issue also makes Bella’s and Edward’s physical contact highly erotic—not in a graphic way, more in a psychological way. That’s not a bad thing for an old married reader like me, but I do wonder about the effect this would have on younger readers.
However, if I were a parent, I think my biggest concern with Twilight might be its over-emphasis on romantic love. Bella and Edward say things to each other like “You are my life now” and talk about being together forever. For Bella at least, their relationship trumps everything else in her life, even life itself. She desperately wants Edward to turn her into a vampire, too, so that they can truly be together. Fortunately, Edward refuses, once again turning to deeply ingrained principles of right and wrong. It would be wrong to deprive her of normal human life, he feels, and so he refuses for her own good, because he loves her. Maybe because Edward was born in 1901, he has a much more developed set of values, including love that puts the good of the other person over self-fulfillment.
If Bella doesn’t become a vampire, she will age and eventually die, as Edward remains an immortal teenager. We get the feeling that something will happen by the end of the series, so that they can stay together “forever” without Edward violating his principles. It’s intriguing to speculate about how this impasse will be resolved, and its resolution (presumably in the final book, Breaking Dawn, to be released on August 2) will probably determine my final opinion about the series. In the meantime, though, I’m struck by the emphasis on achieving eternal romantic love, and wondering how much it has to do with Meyer’s Mormonism. In Mormon belief, as opposed to Christianity, marriage and family bonds are eternal, lasting into the afterlife. It’s an appealing idea, and that very appeal is part of why I believe that the Mormon idea of heaven is false and the Christian heaven is true. If I were making up a religion, I would sure want it to allow me to be with my husband forever. But, for Christians, part of the purpose of marriage is to represent Christ, his love and self-sacrifice, to each other. It’s a way of knowing Christ. When, in heaven, we actually see Christ face to face, we won’t need our human approximations of his love. We’ll have the real thing, rather than the analogy. It’s not romantic, and from our limited human perspectives, it may seem unappealing, but, again, that’s part of what convinces me that it’s true.
If I had a teen daughter, though, I wouldn’t forbid her from reading Twilight simply because its idea of love isn’t completely consistent with Christian love; on those grounds, I would have to forbid a whole lot of literature from throughout history. Instead, I think Twilight presents a perfect opportunity to discuss Christian love and how it compares to the love between Bella and Edward. Your teen may not want to hear that romantic love isn’t the be-all and end-all of her life, but she’s probably much more likely to listen to you (moms and dads) if you have read the book too and can appreciate what it does well.
All in all, Twilight is a well-written, suspenseful story. You want to stay up late reading just to find out what happens next—and in this respect, it’s certainly similar to the Harry Potter books. Bella’s first-person narration is very convincing, and the dialogue is often witty. My husband and I are enjoying reading the Twilight series aloud to each other, and I suspect I’m not the only non-teen looking forward to the rest of the series.
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Kinda squinchy that this old man is gunning for a 17-year-old… I mean, I get it hormonally. Guy thinks she’s cute or hot or whatever, but still.
I hope when I’m 104 that when I decide to rob the cradle for a little romance that I’ll choose someone I can at least have a vaguely informed conversation with while I make boo-boo kitty eyes at her. I don’t know, maybe someone around thirty. That way I get the good looks and someone with at least the potential of not boring me. Though I suppose Cullen gets to experience a 21st century public school and all its drama vicariously through Bella.
If you want to see how truly sad this kinda thing is, check out the first volume of O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim and take a look at Scott’s relationship with Knives (23 vs 17). Everyone thinks Scott’s a loser for it. And he is.
The Danes last blog post..20080612
Edward actually gets to experience the joys of public school for himself. No Vampire Left Behind!
Wow, props to him. I always thought that the only way high school could have been fun is if I was able to come back and do it as an adult. Then none of the drama matters and you have a better sense of what’s worth paying attention to and what’s worth ignoring entirely.
He’s still a skeevy old fuddy though.
The Danes last blog post..20080612
The Christian Manifesto has a review of Twilight. You can read it here:
http://thechristianmanifesto.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/twilight-a-review/
I haven’t read Meyer’s books yet but I’m excited to see the movie. I’m a fan of vampire and werewolf stories like “Underworld” and “Blood & Chocolate”.
SolShine7s last blog post..Holly Hunter talks about the influence of music on Saving Grace
Thanks for the link, SolShine7!
One last thing, you might want to check out Sue Dent’s books. She’s a Christian author who writes about vampires and werewolves.
SolShine7s last blog post..C28 T-shirt Giveaway!
I told my 13-yr old daughter I would read it first. Her almost 15-yr old cousin is OBSESSED (understatement) with this series and it’s all she talks about, literally. When I started reading I was a bit surprised at how fast and interesting the story was, that is until…the whole chapter devoted to Bella seeing him in the light out in the woods.
Speaking as a mother of a beautiful, yet VERY innocent 13-yr old, I personally felt that this chapter was too erotic for my daughter. She can barely look at the boy she likes right now, let alone say more that 5 words to him…very innocent, and I think that’s how it should be. Our girls are growing up way too fast in this fast-paced-everything world. I want my kids to be just that, kids. There is a time and place for feelings like in that certain chapter, but I strongly feel it’s not at the age of 13. For me, it was a great story, but I am older and I can handle the feelings stirred up when reading it. When my daughter is a little older, sure, but in this stage of her life-no. It’s a hard decision for me, but I know that once you read or hear something, it never leaves you…this is just how I feel for my daughters…it’s just my opinion and my conviction for my kids at this time in their lives.
Susanne, I can definitely understand that perspective. FYI, the erotic level stays about the same in New Moon, but gets a little more intense in Eclipse. Still no sex scenes, as Meyer has promised not to write those, but definitely some will-they-or-won’t-they tension as Bella and Edward discuss sex (ultimate decision: not until after marriage). I do think that, overall, Meyer’s books prove that writing (and hopefully moviemaking) can still celebrate physical love without being graphic–and that could be a positive outcome in general. But that still doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for all ages.
I appreciate your analysis…
I’m curious about the 4th book. What is your perspective on that one? (I’ve read the first two)
Becky, I actually just finished Breaking Dawn last night, so I should have a review up here in a couple of days.
I’m 17 but read the entire trilogy when i was still 16. i couldn’t stop reading and finish the 2nd and 3rd book in 2 days(you know how thick they are, and i’m not kidding) i think it was amazing how everything was said and gives you an idea on how love should be, innocent but exotic…i’ll recommend it to every person i know, so mothers and fathers who think their daugthers are too young, sorry to tell you this but kids in our generation knows already much more about boys than what is said in the series. let you childern read it, they’ll love it and find out whats importent in life and love.
ps - couldn’t stop crying for 2 days after i finish the last book, it was just so emotional….
My favorite part of the whole series, until book 4, was definitely the lovely metaphor of the Cullens’ “vegetarianism” (which I blogged about here (in the second half of the post): http://musings-musings-musings.blogspot.com/2008/07/dinosaurs-and-vampires-oh-my.html
for me though….twilight still makes sense and the readers, especially teens, should be able to figure out the fictionality it has… parents shouldnt be too over reacting that they tend to let their teen hide in their world….they should also let them expand their imagination..
hi! i’m a high school student doing a project on the effects of vampire fiction on people my age, looking into things such as, why does vampire fiction take such a hold on us, why are we so attracted to it, things like that. also as a high school student, i have read and loved all the twilight books, as well as many other vampire fiction series. as people who are responding to this blog, why do you think people are so into twilight and why do you feel that some others are against it? you can contact me through clee@bayschoolsf.org
I’m just thirteen years old, and I completley loved the series. I liked it because it actually is what probably goes on in a teen’s life during that period. So yes, I am young, but my level of maturity changes things; I don’t tale things in the wrong way at all. Anyway, I never, EVER liked to read, and when I saw Twilight’s cover, it looked interesting(I know they say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but with me its a totally different story). I swear for gods sake, I read the first book in two hours. It intrigued me, so I kept going with the series. The second book, New Moon, I read in half a day. I’m not kidding. really. The third book, eclipse,I read in just two days. I totaly became OBSSESSED with the series I got on evryones nerves. so i settled down a bit, and waited for the fourth book, Breaking Dawn. Okay, I know this sounds idiotic, but I locked myself in my room so no one would disturb me, and sat down to read the whole book. I started reading it at about 6:00 p.m. and I finished it at 1:00 in the morning. So now I read at a college level, take A.P.(advanced placement) classes, pass all my classes, and became more knowledgable because of that series. So hear this:
LET TEENS READ THE FREAKING SERIES
INCLUDING 13 YR OLDS
OH YEAH, YOU MIGHT SAY, ‘BUT IT CAN VARY, AND WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO A THIRTEEN YEAR OLD ANYWAY?’ AND I’LL SAY
JUST LET THEM READ ‘EM. ITS NOT GONNA CAUSE THEM ANY HARM BESIDES EXPAND THEIR IMAGINATON. i’VE HAD MY WORD.
THANK YOU.
P.S if you have any questions, please send me an e-mail at:
emmaprinceton@yahoo.com,
or
for more info about the twilight
series go to http://www.stepheniemeyer.com
Yep, Never Ceese is a vampire/werewolf novel written by a Christian just as Twilight was written by a Mormon. Never Ceese was written to appeal to the general market though and not a specific group of Christians. It has faith elements but also horror elements.
Oh do read it! It was short-listed for a Bram Stoker Award and the sequel Forever Richard looks to be equally as exciting. I know I’m excited because it sells right along with the Twilight series.
Thank-you Solshine for mentioning Never Ceese.
My daughter is 15 and has read all the twilight books. Nope. They didn’t change her at all. :) Although it’s Harry Potter she contiually re-reads.
yup, well what i really want to know is what you think of some people banning these books. a few other students at school are doing a project to see which book in our library would get banned for one of the three Ss (Sex, Swearing, and Satan) and a few other things and alot of books fit this. i am not a very religous person, though i was raised Jewish, so i don;t understand why some would ban these books (unless they were causing kids to do stupid or dangerous things and there was evedence that the books were the cause)
i am almost 15 and i have read all the books and recently saw the movie.I thought it was great as well as the books. i dont see any problems with the series. i do think it sends children good messages, such as love is everlasting,there is someone for everyone,and that if it is ment to be it can wait til marrage.I am not a religious person,but i dont see how that affects my views on it. i do think that it is good for girls to know that even if edward cullen isnt real there are men out there like that that ARE real. in my opinion books are portals to places we cant go in reality.parents stop telling your kids they cant read these books,they arnt what you think they are.give them a chance
if you have questions please dont hesitate to e-mail me at panic_me93@yahoo.com
My friend pointed me to this article and I have to say, it’s a good explication of what Christians should think about concerning these books. I’m not one for banning books, but more for parent/child responsibility in terms of reading the book before your child does if you’re concerned and discussing it with them.
I do think, however, that there is a lot of better literature out there that one could read besides the Twilight series. I have read all of them, including the horrid anticlimax that was Breaking Dawn, and have to say this, as one who loves children’s lit: hand your child something else, something more well written. I object to the books on the basis of the poor writing. It involves for the moment, but once the book’s done, the reader realizes how incredibly paper thin the plot is, how overbearing the themes are and how ridiculous the dialogue is. Seeing the movie only highlights this aspect.
Hand your kid Harry Potter, the Hobbit, the Giver, or Narnia before handing them Twilight. It will encourage them to read better literature and get them involved in actually complex thought and dialogue; whereas all Twilight will encourage them to do is scream over Edward.
though i do feel you have a good point there most the people who read twilight are older teens, meaning they could careless about how well writen it is. as a person who enjoys writing for fun i also noticed the poor writing but was more conserned with the plot of the story. it is far fetched and unrealitic but again we are talking about vampire fiction here, it really doesn’t have to be real life
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