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[ * Warning * this post contains spoilers about Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer ]
Whether or not Breaking Dawn is a children's book is one discussion (see here to participate), and whether it is going to be made into a film is another (e.g., see here). The issues surrounding the portrayal (or lack thereof, some might say) of feminism in this segment, as compared to the other Twilight series books (Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse - all of which have spawned feature films), are quite distinct.
Says Juliette Frette,
... Bella eventually becomes the strongest vampire in her midst, an asset that is compounded by an extremely unusual and powerful gift of shielding protection, a tool that she uses to help save the Cullen family, her own human-vampire hybrid daughter, the werewolf packs, and other friendly vampires from the power-hungry Volturi coven who make a grand and judicial visit on the pretense of effecting justice when they truly desire conquest: acquiring the talents of specific vampires to bolster their own power.
Continues Frette,
Though some feminists would argue that the fourth book promotes anti-choice messages about the sanctity of a fetus' life over a mother's life with a special reference to Renesmee's abnormal birth, one that obviously endangers Bella's life, it may not be that simple, even though Bella does die a gruesome and bloody death, after which point she is revived and transformed into an immortal with vampire venom.
Since the heroine lives to be stronger and more beautiful once she refuses to terminate a pregnancy, can we all assume that the author's underlying message is that a woman is always better to keep a pregnancy? Even if the results can be disastrous?
Maybe.
On the other hand, one can also point out Bella's obvious choice in the matter: while others try to coerce her into making a decision she does not want to make, she guards her own wishes and chooses to keep the pregnancy -- not against her will, but against the wishes of others. In that sense, the book is pro-choice in terms of Bella deciding the fate of her own body for better or for worse.
As we have seen, there is quite a great deal of controversy over the moral implications of the Twilight series. For instance, while most fans agree that there is a place for fantasy fiction like this, the Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings series, and the like, others seem to view Twilight fans as vulnerable to peril evil with their interest in the series.
That said, one controversy that has been in motion for a while is the issue of feminism in Breaking Dawn. Frette points out some of the major points of contention (full article here). Among them, issues with the birth of Renesmee and Bella's decision to endure the pain of transformation all her own take the fore.
With Renesmee's birth, as Frette points out, Bella went through a suffering unseen in the Twilight series before. And, instead of the continuum of first person storyline from Bella's point of view, we got to witness it through the wistful eyes of Jacob Black. Despite all of her trauma, Bella endures. And the result, for her, is a strength, love, and happiness like no other. Yet, which side of the coin does this fall on? Is it strength and resilience stemming from inner-triumph and power, or is it self-sacrifice and suffering for the sake of womanly duty?
Breaking Dawn's second instance of torment for Bella Cullen is the writhing transformation process, in which she chooses to absorb her pain and not worsen the anguish of her husband Edward by expressing to him her agony. Almost instantly, she is awoken to an appreciation for and an excellence at her life as a vampire. From the first moment, she is complimented by her male counterparts. What with Jasper's surprise at her ability to stay calm and Edward's befuddled-ness about her ability to stave off hunger in the face of one fisherman's impending doom - a feat which Edward struggled with throughout the series (and her later frustration of Emmett with a certain arm-wrestling match - matching and exceeding his biggest quality, physical prowess), Bella practically showed everyone else up. So, the reward for her choice to endure was, again, very hefty. A child and an eternity of power, in other words, were the benefits for Bella's sacrifices in Breaking Dawn.
Thus, the relationship between Breaking Dawn's Bella and the realm of feminism is quite interesting, indeed. Bella's choices brought her to leadership, power, extreme beauty, and thorough happiness.
So, what do you think of these issues? Is Breaking Dawn a talking point for issues of feminism - good or bad? Comment below and let us know!
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Comments
Don’t you think some writers are over analyzing the book? Just like the Bible, it can be perceived in many different ways. Just read it and enjoy…. Why make more out of it then there really is????
Oh come on! Are you people serious? It's just a book! Who cares if she is pro-choice or pro-life. Can't we just enjoy the book without the controversies?!
The last time I checked, this series of books have always been called " fictional"....let it go, people. Its a book, a love story, I don't think it was ever meant to bring up any of these issues....There are so many other things to worry over in this world and these books and movies aren't one of them..Let us enjoy this and find something worthwhile to write about.....Seriously.....
Well, a book that is thought provoking is always a positive thing in my mind. But seriously, folks, it's a fictional book. I do think the subject matter and the tone of the book is more mature than the other three in the series. I've always found Bella to be an extremely strong and independent character who makes her own choices for her own reasons ... which if you've read all of the series, completely make sense.
I don't give a rat's butt about controversy. It come with every territory. I just want them to make BD into a film. The movies won't be complete without it, plus it was the best out of all four books. I definitely would not consider it a children's book either.
Please!!! is the book, love and romantic book, no feminis or contorversial book, come on!!!!I just want them to make Breaking Down into a film. The movies won't be complete without it,the fans requerid that film, i´m suport the make it movie, like the Twiligth, New Moon or Eclipse.
i think people are making this into a bigger deal then it really is. bella made her choices. it's just a story anyway. i def agree that people are just over analyzing the book. i'll be really angry if they don't make this into a movie
Time to grow up.. Its a book, a very good book, but a book!! Making a movie out of all 4 of the books is a must, so, stop with all the crap, and just get on with making the films..
Hey thanks for the shout out Amanda! And ultimately, many of your commentators have a point (one I make myself at the end of my own respective article) -- The 'Twilight' saga is a great collection to enjoy regardless of the social or political undertones that may subtly influence young minds.
Its not real people! Bella is not real, there are no vamps and wolfs out there in there woods! (that we know of anyway hehe) But come on do something else with all your free time, like look up new pics of Rob or Taylor.
Let's enjoy the books and movies and not get all deep into this, its just fantasy. :)
Team Seth!
Oh come on is just a book a fantasy nothing in there is real or possible besides I think bells diserved a good ending for all her character went thru and being so clumsy in the ithar books give it a rest in more concerned about the rating of breaking dawn I hope is rated R I want to see a good live making pillow destroyed and all that a bloddy birth and a good hunt
Bella doesn't endure though. She is brought back, re-created, through the actions of another.
I share the same thoughts as others, it's a freaking FICTIONAL BOOK. People are taking this whole series into a whole deep other direction. It is a popular series and they are making movies but there is no need to decide if it's a pro-choice or pro-life statement. And if you make it a controversy it will be a controversy just relax and quit analyzing and enjoy a good story. And i too hope that they do make the fourth movie. Sorry if i am rambling, but really tired today :(
Seriously, some people just have too much time on their hands! This is just a book!!!! Written for entertainment. I never even thought about any of this stuff when I was reading it. People need to stop analyzing this and just take it for what it is. Entertainment!
It is interesting how people find anything to defend their stand, even when there is nothing to be found. People who have even the slightest issue with the Twilight series find a reason to argue against the book series warning on possible list of dangers. Of course that is great to recognize themes in books but I think they are taking it too far. And since it was mentioned, Bella had a choice in everything.
Irrelevant issues here...
I think some people are over-evaluating the book and its intent. Though I am all pro-life etc etc, think it is silly and immature to get into the discussion over Stephenie Meyer's intent and insinuation over Feminism, and whether she had secret motive in Bella's keep the baby mentality.
It is an Irrelevant issue.
Sure, I'm all for the way she handled the situation, but it wouldn't have affected my look on the book.
Read it. Enjoy it. Stop over-analyzing it.
It is a great book, and enjoy it for what it is.
They SHOULD make it into a movie. That is that. Feminism, controversy aside.
Oh this is just ridicules, I agree with what everyone else here says, it's a fictional book, I never once thought of these issues as I was reading this. The feminists need to go find something REAL to argue about. They have a right to voice their opinion but SO DO WE and we will
WELL SAID JAY & rovity! While I do think BD exceeded the realm of children's books & had already become a story for adults by Eclipse, IT IS JUST A BOOK! About freakin' Vampires! Are women REALLY out there throwing a fit over PC & PL? Ladies,you need to get a life of your own & quit worrying about the lives & choices of fictional characters! And also, if you are pro-choice, HELLO!! Stephanie wrote Bella "pro-choice" as well & she CHOSE to keep the kid. One more time for the cheap seats-IT IS JUST A BOOK!
Are they really arguing this? This is pathetic...
-Don't get me wrong I love these books.- But they're anaylzing this far too much. Its a fictional book/story/world. Stop and leave the fans be...
First let me congratulate those who have already posted, I heartily agree! It is a FICTIONAL series. From a writer's standpoint, when writing a series you have to keep the writer's interest up. plus you have to keep your characters "in character"! If all the books were a chronicle of smooth sailing they would not be as popular as they are. Stephanie did a superb job, which is how she has gotten to where she is now. Maybe some of this energy should be channeled into writing your own book, with any message you choose.
I always giggle at people who think everything is over analyzed. Art imitates life, so it's themes in books and the like that SHOULD be analyzed, and it's themes in a lot of books that irritate and anger me, despite the fact that they're meant for entertainment.
That being said - I have never understood anyone getting an anti-feminist vibe out of the any part of the Twilight series. Poor Bella in particular frequently gets tossed about as a weakling. AS IF! Bella is the strongest character in the whole series. Throughout the series she is a human trying desperately to keep up with a supernatural world - so are her human traits weaker than a supernatural beings - of course. What does that have to do with feminism though? Bella says from Twilight "I'll be the first to admit that I have no experience with relationships...but it just seems logical...a man and a woman have to be somewhat equal."
Breaking Dawn is the realization of this journey. Renesmee is the result of Bella's CHOICE. Pro-choice does NOT mean pro-abortion. Mothers have chosen to suffer for the sake of their children throughout history. This is not an anti-feminist point of view as it is also a choice. Feminism is about equality and empowerment, not strict rules about what a feminist will and will not do.
You ask, "Is it strength and resilience stemming from inner-triumph and power, or is it self-sacrifice and suffering for the sake of womanly duty?" You're kind of taking it from the wrong point of view here. Again, feminism is about choice - not duty, which implies that something is required of our gender. Bella is self-sacrificing by choice, and suffers by choice for the sake of love, not duty. Certainly, especially in Edward's case, he would do the same for her - he would do anything to spare her any amount of pain and it is the same for Bella to him. It is one of the beautiful ways they love each other. She points out, as she burns, that the only thing her showing her pain would do would be to cause Edward to suffer with her. If she feels Edward is suffering, she, in turn, will suffer MORE, so why would she do it? When she suffers the burning the first time, in Twilight, she doesn't hesitate to cry out - because at that point she needs them to know what's going on so they can stop it. And Bella also choses her suffering in the fire of transformation because it is a necessity to get to where she wants to be: immortal, finally equal to her vampire family.
Breaking Dawn allows Bella to show the physical manifestation of the strong character she has always been. Anti-Feminist? I fail to see any place in these four books where that's even remotely true.
I cannot fathom how anyone would feel Breaking Dawn (or the Twilight series) is anything less than a pro-female work. First off, I think that Meyer wanted Bella, a character she has labored over and loved for years, to have the full range of the human experience before sacrificing her humanity. With regard to the issue of feminism, I think it has less to do with Bella's powers as an immortal and more to do with the strength of her resolve. Bella's strength will wane over time as all new borns are incredibly powerful. However, she is far stronger and braver than Edward as a whole, and it is for that reason I consider her to be an excellent role model for young women. It is less important what you want (work versus motherhood) than that you trust yourself and your moral compass regardless of the pressure others might put on you to conform. Meyer has written work I, as an English teacher, am proud to recommend to my students, and would be happy for my adolescent to read.
Anytime Edward or anyone else is protective of Bella it is fairly clear that is because they care about her as an individual, not because she is female. They don't underestimate Victoria because she is a female vampire, they don't expect another female vampire to off her and they don't feminize Bella's human weaknesses. In fact, there seems to be a lot of emphasis on Bella exercising choice from the beginning - making plans to join her vampire family even when Edward is displeased with it. There is also such variety applied to the characters, like the differences you can find between Alice and Rosalie and Esme. Esme is not the mother-figure simply because she is the oldest female or even married to the patriarch. It seems that it just so happens that her character's mate is the patriarch but, more importantly, she is the most nurturing.
I think it's silly that pro-choice activists are offended by a dang book. The author of the article above makes it seem like we should terminate pregnancy if our lives are endangered. Well the beautiful thing is, is that it is CHOICE we have.
Besides, I don't think that's what Stephanie Meyer is trying to smuther into people's brains anyways. I think Breaking Dawn was just a wonderful extension of her imagination. I like that she didn't create the cullens to be just like every other blood-sucking vampire... they create babies for crying out loud!
dear lord. its a book. a great book. stop reading into things that aren't there! bella was the strongest vampire because she was a new born. no feminism stuff, just vampire fact according to Stephenie M. she kept the baby because she loved it. for a while i was actually with edward. plus there's a HUGE difference between renesemee and a real baby. stop weighing down the story of twilight with things like that. leave it alone!
..."Bella eventually becomes the strongest vampire in her midst..."
I and many of my friends don't think Bella is the strongest vampire in the Twilight books. True she has a useful power of shielding mind affects. But A strong fighter like Jasper or a fast one like Edward can easily tear her up. And she is only temporally stronger than emmett.
Yes, Breaking Dawn is just a book. A real good book. And it's even better if people stop reading stuff into it, that isnt there. I understand some people are worried about the influence of young adult. I ask; If young adult is that influenced by a book - then they need help. All great books are over analysed - Which is so sad, because they'd all be so much better if they weren't. So stop it, find something better to do and bitch about - And please make it into a movie!
No I think Bella knows she will survive because she has the option of turning into a vampire afterwards. I think the real message is that Bella and Edward were meant to be together and Bella had vampire-like qualities deep within her all along.
It's sad. Do people really have nothing better to do?? It is a freakin BOOK people! FICTIONAL. A dang good one at that! Quit trying to make something out of it that it's not!
Are you kidding me? One of the most amazing qualities of The Twilight Saga was Stephanie Meyers uncanny ability to create truly 3 dimensional characters and remain true to those characters until the very end... From page 1 Bella was her own and every decision that she made from the 1st page screamed of her independence... Everything that she ever did was the next right thing for the character that Stephanie created and as (almost) always those choices were at great cost to her personal safety and well being (Starting with her choice to peruse Edward) Let's cut the "Feminist" crap... Bella's choice to continue on with a deadly pregnancy was the most obvious of choices for her character. Stephanie Meyer was telling a STORY... it unfolded naturally and the way it should have...
One last thing... If there is ANY theme at all that could have stood to be analyzed about these books then maybe it should have been self image instead of "feminism". I was reading a blog shortly after the movie released and the question was posed "Was Kristen Stewart the right choice to play Bella." After reading the books my answer was an unequivocal "YES!" All the way down to the way she constantly chew on her lip did I think that girl was fantastic. I am also a 32 year old woman and so some of the more adult nuances of the books did not escape me. What interests me is that an overwhelming number of girls age 13-16 answered "No" and their reason being? They claimed that Stewart was "too pretty to be Bella." Twilight was, of course, written in 1st person, and it is amazing to me how much young girls identified with Bella's poor opinion of herself (She thought that she was awkward and plain) yet that wasn't the case, she was in fact beautiful! We know this not only because Edward tells her all the time... "You really don't see yourself clearly Bella." But also because of the male AND female response to her when she arrives in Forks... Teens identify with Bella on an emotional level... maybe that is worth looking at a little more deeply than wether Bella was Pro-Choice!!
I agree with everything Kristina says and couldn't have put it better myself.
Besides, a book is not worth reading if there is nothing about it to discuss. Yes it's a book, yes it's fiction, but every book has real life issues that should be discussed, even one about teenage vampires. That's what makes it interesting. Millions of teenagers out there, and even adults, can relate to the issues raised in those books (again, minus the supernatual aspect).
And actually, finding and talking about themes ARE a part of some people's lives...that is, these people make a living doing it. Did anyone pay attention in English class? Do you remember reading novels and discussing themes or relating issues in the novels to current events? Sometimes I wonder, reading these comments, but I digress. Now, I'm not saying Twilight should be read in schools. It was a great story and I really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't put S.M. up there with any of the "classic" novelists, but my point is those stories and novels we read in English class were works of fiction as well. I would think die hard fans of the series would be happy that there are people out there taking it seriously and willing to spend time discussing it, because most people think you're all just a bunch of silly, love-struck tweeners.
In fact, if you don't recognize any major issues or themes in anything you read, then I'm really worried about today's youth, becoming people who cannot think for themselves.
I too agree whole-heartedly with Kristina, very well put! Bella, in my opinion, was a very strong person, even as a human. She would deny it emphatically (Stephanie would agree as well) but Bella was always able to hold her own, making the decisions and choices she made, she had to be strong! It's amazing the strength love can give you! I think that's the point in the whole series, Love. The driving force behind all of them, Emmett and Rosalie, Jasper and Alice, Carlisle and Esme, Jacobs love for Bella was his driving force.. and to me.. thats anything but "anti-femmenist".. I've said it before, but I think Im glad that my daughter looks up to Bella (in a sense), as Bella made critical decisions, was a responsible human and carried that into her immortal world, and the decisions she made brought her all she ever dreamed of having! I hope my daughter realizes she can have all the things she has ever wanted someday too. (Now, back to reading....)
While I am not at all okay with abortion. I believe that's what 'feminism' was and is about. The right to have a choice. Stephanie Meyer presented that in her books with Bella's character. Bella was a very strong woman and because of her own choices her life turned out as it did. She was either happy about those choices or learned from the ones she wasn't. That's what life is.
I honestly cant see why people have to pick up on every single details. i'm sure when stephanie was writing this book she was not thinking about the isues between abortion or feminisim - she was writing a book for the visions of these facinating characters she had dreamed about - i'm glad she wrote it the way she did - yes she did die a terrible death but that makes her tranformation into a vampire more meaningful - carlise didnt like changing you unless you was dying, this makes her more connected to her family than ever before. And as far as the abortion thing - it wasnt a case of dont want the baby then kill it - we wasnt to know it was some monster that would kill her and everyone else - it mearly shows bella wanted it cos she she had a connection with nessie that no one knew about - she just had that feeling - so get off the hunam issues because this was far from a normal human book - its fantasy!
You know I think a lot of people are reading way to much into what is supposed to be a fantasy story for young adults and don't get me wrong I loved all the books in the twilight saga but they are what they are, pure fiction.
Yeah totally reading WAY to much into BD. Its a book for crying out load.
By the way I still dont get why its voted A "childrens book" If anything BD was not foe children. I would say 17 and up. Its still my favorite.
With something this popular, there are bound to be people trying to shoot it down. It's a book, fiction. Let's just leave it at that. All this is ruining it for those of us that love the series. Shoot the movie, keep it true to the book and you can't go wrong.
I have to agree with several others who posted on this topic.
Thinking things through in a fictional book is time consuming waste. Although it's part of literature since we evidently did this in school, therefore making it normal for something like this to happen.
Now the argument of the feminism of Breaking Dawn, in Bella's case is weird. Yes she made a decision to keep her child because she understood what would happen to her if she didn't i.e. Rosalie and Esme. The idea that you'll never be whole.
Now as for her transformation, and taking the pain, myself personally as a woman, would rather take the pain then allow it to overpower me. The way the author describes it as Bella holding back to not put Edward in pain, is a sign of love, dying for another and all that gooey stuff we love to read about yet don't actually see in real life :P.
Point blank the fact that somebody is making this connection in the stories is part of everyday life. It'll come and go as a new "hit book" comes along.
The same has happened to Harry Potter, LOTR and even Dan Brown's The Davinci Code. Therefore I say let it all pass :D.
some fenimists re iditos but I love there sies and it it's fictional.
Hello... it's fiction....get over it.
Some people are stupid and need to get a life. It is a book and the people who love Twilight take it just as that a book and a wonderful love story. They should find something else to wast their time on because fan don't realy care what they think we will watch and love it anyway!!
ok lets just say bella had the abortion, then the controversy would be that she had to kill her fetus in order to be happy and live the life she wanted so badly. The book was amazing the way it was written, and everything turned out perfectly!
its a great book! stop reading into it that much its just a book!
Can't people just enjoy the book for what it is - a great book without someone finding a political or moral agenda in it. Stephanie is a fantastic author and the Twilight Series is simply a wonderful and moving STORY ... nothing more. If these people want to analyze something maybe they should try working on what makes them want to analyze in the first place :)
Glad to see someone else put forward some criticisms about this book. I read the series and did NOT find Bella an independent thinker. She herself perceives herself as one, so the reader tends not to question the validity of that perspective. The fact is, Bella was an irrational teenage girl. SM wrote about a teenage girl who got married and became pregnant without having her work out all the immature contradictions in her head first (ie: "I'm too young to get married, but I want to become a vampire before I get old" mantra repeated throughout all four books), a clear indicator she was not emotionally ready for the choices she made. The only reason everything "worked out" in the end is because SM forced the story in that direction.
I literally cannot think of a female character in the entire series who actually found education important. None of the female characters were educated beyond a simple high school diploma. The fact that SM wrote about a girl, who was clearly capable and bright in her own right, then has her choose not to pursue an education because she would rather get married and have sex, really bothered me. I ask what sort message this sends teenage girls who read this series and idolize Bella as someone to model their own character after?
People read this series without a critical thought in their head, and I encourage people to read the series in its entirety. But surely there is room to recognize and criticize some of the many themes SM weaves into the story so these things don't sink in and impress upon us at a subconscious level. Readers should recognize the underlying message of the authors they read and welcome discussion on things they overlooked while they were immersed in the story.
Two things. First off how many movies are there where the woman chooses to abort rather than keep the baby so why the heck can't there be a movie where the woman chooses pro life instead? And second, in reference to Kathryn's critizing comment about Belle not being a good model for teenage girls because she chooses to marry and start a family rather than pursue an education: WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT? The Feminism movement was about women having equal rights so that they could CHOOSE make that same choice that Belle made. Education/Career Woman or Family Woman, and YES even and Educated Family woman with a Career if they want to. I chose to be a stay at home Mom because I felt that further education wasn't the right CHOICE for me and I resent any one who critizes that. I don't critize women who choose education and career over family or those who choose to take it all on. In fact kudos to them. I would greatly appreciate if people gave me and others like me the same respect.
I think that Breaking Dawn is a wonderful experience and if you look at Bella's choices from a different perspective, as in being madly in love and wanting to start a life and not being able to live without the person you love isn't exactly a bad example for teenage girls its just the life that some may choose in life and the way a book is written will not change the decisions a girl will make in life. It is impossible for a fictional book to influence the decisions a person makes so i think you should make the movie for the people who love the movie and are dedicated to reading the books.
I criticize her for choosing to start a family before she is emotionally ready rather than pursuing an education and growing up a little more. She wouldn't have lost Edward if she had done this. He told her multiple times he would help put her through school and be there with her. Bella stated throughout all four books she felt to young to get married, and if one feels too young to get married they shouldn't get married. :P If someone chooses to get married and start a family instead of going to school, there's nothing wrong with that, but that wasn't her reason for marrying Edward. Bella was presented with the dilemma to either marry Edward so he'll have sex with her, or wait to get married and not have sex. She never dreamed Edward could get her pregnant, so any motivation to marry to start a family is something you've wrongly placed on the character post hoc. She got married to have sex with Edward, that's all. There was no other motivation or logical explanation for why she would get married before she was emotionally ready and before giving herself a chance to grow up more. She choose having sex with Edward over her own post-secondary education. I am boggled more people don't criticize this.
I disagree with a couple of your comments/opinions. First, as anyone who is pro-life would agree, to Bella once she was pregnant, there was no choice to be made. There was a life growing inside her and to destroy it, no matter what the circumstances or risks involved, was simply unthinkable. Second, the beckoning force behind Bella's decision to transform was her love for Edward and her desire to be with him eternally. Leadership, power and extreme beauty were never important to Bella. Third, Bella's sacrifices during the pregnancy and transformation were completely selfless and were made for those she loved most, Edward and their child.
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