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'Eclipse' by Stephenie Meyer - Hatchette Books
This week's Eclipse quote series comes from Chapter 2, "Evasion."
As one commentator to last week's segment stated, the chapter "focus[es] on Edward and his ability to evade Bella from what she really wants to know most, what's going on in Alice's Vision and her serious conversation about seeing Jacob."
It is true. Edward knows that Alice has seen something, and he methodically avoids her inquiries about the subject until later on in the chapter when he reveals that she's seen Jasper in an unsavory situation.
The chapter is appropriately titled for other reasons as well. There is also a bit of evasion going on with regard to Victoria and the yet-unrevealed newborn army. Edward finagles a last-minute trip to Florida with Bella. As the reader pointed out, this was not only because of the threat that the newborn army holds for Bella, but also because he's completely opposed to the notion of her visiting with Jacob Black - despite her sincere interest in doing so. In fact, this is the chapter in which Edward makes what is for most the biggest error in character judgment and literally stops Bella from going to La Push. Also, Bella consistently avoids getting too in-depth with Charlie about the nature of her relationship with Edward - even in the face of an extremely uncomfortable father-daughter discussion.
Finally, the term "evasion" is appropriate in the sense that Bella, for the first time, begins to take note of the fact that the end (of humanity as she knows it) is near via the vessel of graduation. She's evading the thought of consequence. This is important, as Eclipse is the first book in which Bella really explores the intricacies associated with her desired transformation.
For instance:
The ending of the school year did not give me the pleasure it seemed to give the other students. Actually, I felt nervous to the point of nausea whenever I thought of it. I tried to not think of it.
Prime example of Bella's self-reflection avoidance, that is. Though she's altogether comfortable with the ramifications (unquestioningly, actually) of her choice in the prior texts, she's beginning to be a bit uneasy with the haste at which she seeks to accomplish them. This is fodder for Edward's own evasions as he seeks to lengthen her stay as a human being as much as possible.
Another quote submitted in the comments last time is more of a fun one.
Edward and Alice playing chess was one of the funniest things I’d ever seen. They’d sat there nearly motionless, staring at the board, while Alice foresaw the moves he would make and he picked the moves she would make in return out of her head. They played most of the game in their minds; I think they’d each moved two pawns when Alice suddenly flicked her king over and surrendered. It took all of three minutes.
This is one example of how Stephenie Meyer was able to bring gentle reminders of these characters' qualities in the form of playful anecdotes. This kind of vivid and upbeat imagery really helps the progress of the story while developing and continuing the affection that Bella has for these two specifically.
Another interesting passage takes place after Edward has done (in sharp contrast to the quote offered above) the unthinkable and halted Bella's free will.
Shut your window if you want me to stay away tonight. I’ll understand.
Of course, Bella takes him up on that at first and then throws the window open wide within seconds. It goes to show that Edward is conscious of his failings in this action, but it also goes to show that Bella is acceptant of his flaws.
Overall, "Evasion" is a great chapter because it really highlights some of the narrative focus that Bella brings to the book with regard to the vampires (in that her appearance and presentation belies her real inner commotion on the subject of impending transformation) and the werewolves (in that she does not fear them, is not sympathetic to those who do, and that she really wishes to see Jacob Black).
Any other thoughts on the chapter or these quotes? Any submissions for next week's Chapter 3 ("Motives") discussion?
Prior quote discussions are available here.
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Comments
I think this was one of my favorite chapters.
Enjoyed this week's discussion. Thanks. :)
i love the book eclipse, the part where bella made out with Jacob and realizes shes in love with him is so amazing!
eclipse is my favorite book in the series cause it actually shows the love triangle and bella realizes that she loves jacob but loves edward more and cant live without him. my favorite part is when edward ask bella to marry him!!! cant wait to see the movie
i love the part when bella is leaving la push and and she sees edwards car in her rear view mirror right behind her. She doesnt stop and he speeds right past her...then she gets home and doesnt want to go upstairs to to confront himm...its so funny ...Do any of you guys like this part too?
This book was great. However, I'm really put off by Bella and Jacob in this book. Especially with the whole kissing and making out while you're "suppose to be in love" with your boyfriend. Am I the only person who is not feeling this? Someone please help me understand this.
This is a great chapter but I have to confess that I stopped being a Bella fan. By the end of the book, (which was damage due to me throwing it across the room after the tent part) I was really disgusted with her.
I think this book makes Bella appear the most normal a teen than any. She has doubts and mixed feeling and people get that sometimes. She never is not in love with Edward but she is testing her boundries and acting out. I know I did that as a teen.
i totally agree w/ you, Shelly!!!
i was cringing the whole apres-tent commotions. and felt sooo bad for edward!
Yes! I was very upset with Bella in the fact that she kissed Jacob or rather let him kiss her. I felt like the whole time Jacob was forcing himself on her and it was almost awkward. I do agree that the part where Edward races past Bella after she is returning from LaPush was very funny. It's almost like Edward is a Father figure but not scary just to the point where you don't want to disappoint him. That is the contrast between the two (jacob and Edward). Jacob is the fun rule breaker and Edward can be a bit stodgy.
i am seeing that a lot of people dont get that she couldnt push jacob away. he is too strong so she waits- not kissing him back- til he is finished then punches him. she does see how her life would be different if edward had never returned with her. but that is a "moot point" as edward would say because she is in love with edward. she hopes that as jacob tells her about the imprinting that he wont say that is what has happened to him to make him love her. jacob is family. has been that way since they were little kids. but still nothing makes sense until breaking dawn. then you see where the pull comes from and how quickly it fades when that comes into play. of course as i am reading the kissing parts between jacob and bella i am saying " uh no! what are you thinking?" but when she punches him i felt better. is is frustrating for bella to love edward and to have so many other "boys" that wish she would love them that way. and all she wants is for everyone to be happy and get along.
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