Themes: Desire
Common and uncommon desires abound in Twilight. Both can be heartwarming; both can be tragic. The tragic can be seen in the love Bella's father still carries for her mother. Even though they've been divorced for more than ten years, he has never really gotten over her. Blending comedy and tragedy are the fast-paced crushes that define Forks High School. Before Bella knows her way around the school several boys want to date her and many girls resent her for getting in their way. In private Bella and Edward play out a much more dangerous and intense dance of desire. She is literally intoxicating to him; he wants her, he loves her, and he wants to drink her blood. As for Bella, her desire for Edward is so intense that by the end of the novel she is begging him to covert her to a vampire so that they can be together forever.
Expert Q&A
Do vampires engage in sexual activities in "Twilight"?
Yes, vampires in Twilight do engage in sexual activities. Edward discusses consummating his marriage with Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett, and Emmett teases Bella and Edward for not being as destructive during their intimate moments as he and Rosalie were. Authors can depict vampires in various ways, allowing them to do things like come out in daylight or even become pregnant, as seen in other literary works and movies.
In Twilight, Bella tells Edward she loves him and asks "isn't that enough?" What does she mean by "enough"?
In "Twilight," when Bella tells Edward she loves him and asks "isn't that enough?", she is appealing for him to transform her into a vampire. She believes that their love should be sufficient reason for Edward to change her, enabling them to be together forever. Bella is ready for this transformation, but Edward resists, fearing the consequences of turning her into a "monster." The question highlights Bella's desire for permanence in their relationship.
Why does Bella, in "Twilight", fall in love with Edward and crave danger?
Bella's love for Edward in "Twilight" is not explicitly explained, leaving room for interpretation. Possible reasons include Edward's physical attractiveness, a classic "love at first sight" scenario, and their close proximity, as they share classes and lab partnerships, fostering interaction. Additionally, Edward's wealth and ability to protect Bella may appeal to her instincts for security and future stability, contributing to her attraction and craving for danger.
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