Twilight (III)

Does the author seem to have a friendly, unfriendly, or some other type of relationship with the content of the book? Why do you think so?

At first glance, the reader would assume that Stephenie Meyer has a friendly attitude towards vampires. The majority of the non-human characters are good people, who are trying to live a normal life. They are kind to Bella and never cause any trouble. However, on deeper inspection, I think the author's relationship with vampires is much more complicated.

Meyer is intrigued by the possibility of the existence of vampires (otherwise she wouldn't have written this book series) but is wary of their presence. Many times throughout the book she acknowledges the "facts" that they hold the potential to rip Bella to shreds in an instant. They thirst for human blood, and it is only through their moral conscience that they are able to resist the smell. Such limitations on their natural instincts can only be held back for so long. The Cullen's family could tear the town of Forks apart. With this knowledge, Meyers keeps her distance but still reveres the possibility of their strength.

At the same time, Meyers (through Bella's character) reveals that she is not necessarily fearful of vampires' thirst for humans. Rather, she accepts it. Much like a pack of wild animals, James and his group are called "hunters". They travel in small hunting packs and feast upon their kills. This way of life is natural. They can't help it, just like a lion can't help hunting and eating a baby lamb. There's no point in trying to condemn their species because they eat other animals. Meyers very rational puts up with vampires' thirst for human blood without judgement because that is their nature. You cannot change who you are.