'New Moon' quotes of the day

November 4, 10:55 AMTwilight ExaminerAmanda Bell

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Photo: Hatchette Books

As The Twilight Saga: New Moon draws nearer to release in theaters, this New Moon quote series is coming to a close. As the twentieth exploration of this book, it seems befitting to take a look once more at the Epilogue for New Moon and see how the various passages really help to set up and foreshadow the events to come with Eclipse.

For starters, and this is from Bella on page 550, there is a great passage where Bella has to really come to terms with the damage she may have done to Jacob Black in saving Edward Cullen from the Volturi. While it is clearly a decision she would not and does not second-guess, the point at which she comes to terms with the suffering that both she and he will endure in absence of one another is very important.

The fairy tale was back on. Prince returned, bad spell broken. I wasn't sure exactly what to do about the leftover. unresolved character. Where was his happily ever after?

This segment is great because it really brings the idea of consequence in New Moon around full circle. In the beginning of the book - when Bella is bereft of Edward - there is this yearning, in nearly all moments that she is even with Jacob, for him. It's deep seated, and though she tries to mask it at times, she is unable to shake her devotion to him. The converse is true in this instance. She has her Prince Charming back, and he has adequately explained his motivations for leaving her. Yet, she still aches for the happiness of her friend. While it is a different kind of love and compassion, it is still there nonetheless.

Overall, the significance of the matter, in context with the rest of the books, is that Bella will always care about Jacob's happiness. She will hurt when she feels she's been cruel to him, and she will long for him to find comfort and joy.

On the other hand, this next passage also raises the inherent struggle that will exist as a result of Bella's relationship with Jacob when she tries to move forward to that inevitable end (or lack of end, really) with Edward.

Jacob kept his eyes on Edward. "I just needed to remind your bloodsucking friends of a few key points in the treaty they agreed to. The treaty that is the only thing stopping me from ripping his throat out right his minute."

"We haven't forgotten," Edward said at the same time that I demanded, "What key points?"

Jacob still glowered at Edward, but he answered me.  "The treaty is quite specific. If any of them bite a human, the truce is over. Bite, not kill," he emphasized.

This conversation (from page 558) raises the complications associated with Bella's wish to pursue a full, well, partnership with Edward in the eternal world. It really introduces the struggle that she will face as an intermediary between these two worlds. It also really puts Edward and Jacob head-to-head for the first time since Jacob learned of his true make-up and purpose. They are now, in a sense, enemies existing on the edge of a knife (or bite, as the case happens to be), and the balance is delicate to be sure. Bella's burden is, now, is to tread lightly if she is to keep both in her life - and safe (even from one another).

Any other significance to these quotes to you? Any other comments? Comment below and let us know!

Also, would you like to see this series continue onto Eclipse, or do you have any other ideas of how to discuss the book as preparations for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse begin? Please be sure to include your thoughts!

Prior quote discussions are available here.

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