TWILIGHT SAGA BOOK CLUB: THE CULLENS, CHAPTER 15

TA Staff member Emily is back with chapter 15 of Twilight:

After a physically and emotionally eventful date, Bella wakes up to find that she is living a dream come true, complete with her very own Prince Charming waiting for her. Chapter Fifteen, “The Cullens”, marks the beginning of Bella and Edward as an official couple as they take the next step in their relationship – the formal introduction of Bella to Edward’s family.

Waking up from her groggy state, Bella is pleasantly surprised to find that Edward had stayed the night with her and is currently sitting in the rocking chair. She enthusiastically jumps into his welcome arms before she takes a human moment to clean herself up for the day. In the bathroom, she is shocked to see how happy and bright she looks in her reflection in the mirror – the simple result of being in love.

During breakfast, Edward tells Bella that he would like her to meet his family. Bella’s response to this is completely different than what Edward expects; she is afraid of their lack of approval rather than the fact that she could be a possible meal for his family. After some initial awkwardness, Edward also asks that he be introduced to Charlie as her boyfriend, confirming his commitment to her.

Bella changes and after Edward dazzles her with his kissing expertise once again; they make their way to the Cullen house. The house is not at all the way Bella expected the home of a coven of vampires to be; it is nestled in a hidden clearing by a river and can only be described as timeless. Inside, Bella is warmly greeted by Dr. Carlisle Cullen and Esme Cullen, Edward’s “parents”, and also Alice and Jasper, Edward’s ‘sister and brother.’

The Cullens, with the exception of Rosalie and Emmett who are absent, all seem delighted to meet Bella. Esme tells Bella about Edward’s musical talent and insists that he play for her. He plays a beautiful song which Bella recognizes as the tune that Edward often hums, which he confesses is a song that he wrote for her.

Later, as Edward takes Bella on a tour of the house, they come upon an old wooden cross. Edward explains its significance and recounts the tale of how Carlisle became a vampire. Bella is awestruck with curiosity and Edward takes her to see his father to hear the full story from Carlisle himself.

Characters Involved:
Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale

Characters Mentioned:
Charlie Swan, Rosalie Hale, Emmett Cullen
Places Visited:
Charlie’s house, Bella’s truck, the Cullens’ house
Significant events
Bella wakes up to find that Edward has stayed with her through the night and is still there with her

Edward kisses Bella again

Edward takes Bella to meet his family

Memorable Quotes

Edward Cullen: “Your hair looks like a haystack
but I like it.” pg 312

Edward Cullen: “I could hardly leave in the clothes I came in – what would the neighbors think?” pg 314

Edward Cullen: “You said you loved me.” pg 314

Bella Swan: “I love you.”

Edward Cullen: “You are my life now.”
pg 314

Edward Cullen: “Breakfast time for the human.” pg 315

Edward Cullen: “Are you going to tell Charlie I’m your boyfriend or not?”
Bella Swan: “Is that what you are?”
Edward Cullen: “It’s a loose interpretation of the word ‘boy,’ I’ll admit.”

Bella Swan: I doubted there were any etiquette books detailing how to dress when your vampire sweetheart takes you home to meet his vampire family. pg 318

Edward Cullen: “You are utterly indecent – no one should look so tempting, it’s not fair.” pg 319

Bella Swan: “You
made
me
faint.” pg 319

Edward Cullen: “What am I going to do with you? Yesterday I kiss you, and you attack me! Today you pass out on me!” pg 319

Edward Cullen: “I’m very partial to that color with your skin.” pg 320

Edward Cullen: “And you’re worried, not because you’re headed to meet a houseful of vampires, but because you think those vampires won’t approve of you, correct?”

Alice Cullen: “You do smell nice, I never noticed before.” pg 323

Esme Cullen: “I hope you haven’t been showing off – it’s rude.”
pg 325

Esme Cullen: “There are exceptions to every rule.” pg 325

Edward Cullen: (on Esme) “She’s ecstatic. Every time I touch you, she just about chokes with satisfaction.” pg 327

Edward Cullen: “I have to, because I’m going to be a little
overbearingly protective over the next few days – or weeks – and I wouldn’t want you to think I’m naturally a tyrant.” pg 328

Edward Cullen: “No coffins, no piled skulls in the corners; I don’t even think we have cobwebs
what a disappointment this must be for you.” pg 329

Edward Cullen: “It’s the one place we never have to hide.” pg 329

Questions for consideration:

Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?

What do you think of Edward’s musical tastes?

What do you think about the rest of the Cullen family? Whose story do you want to know more about? Would you like to join the Cullen Family by becoming a vampire?

Do you think you would you feel embarrassed and flattered as Bella did when she found out about Edward’s nightly visits – or would you be disturbed by learning that he was there without your knowledge?

Do you agree with Edward and Bella about the differences in reading about emotions and actually experiencing them first hand?

What do you think of Edward’s theory of vampire evolution? Do you agree?

Bella asks Edward if marriage is the same for vampires as it is for humans. Were you surprised by Edward’s response?

Do you believe that this is the first experience of love for both Bella and Edward? Is this really love or simply a crush? Is there a difference?

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?
Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?

Were you as happy and amazed as Bella was that Edward had stayed the night?

What did you think of Bella’s reaction to meeting the Cullens? Do you think she should be afraid?

Are you stunned at how eager Edward seems to be about their relationship, taking Bella to meet his family and wanting to be introduced to Charlie as her ‘boyfriend’?

What did you think of the Cullen house? Were you surprised at how “normal” it appears?

How did you feel about Bella inspiring one of Edward’s piano compositions? Were you shocked when Edward tasted Bella’s tear?

How do you feel about the Cullens’ response to Bella? Does it bother you that Rosalie is so opposed to Bella?

What were your impressions of Carlisle and Esme?

Are you glad that Edward felt comfortable enough to tell Bella about the visitors?

Did something or someone in this chapter catch you by surprise?

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

Did you see any particular symbolism or little detail you have never
noticed before while re-reading this Chapter?

Reply here or discuss it with us on the forum here.

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