TWILIGHT SAGA BOOK CLUB: CONFESSIONS, CHAPTER 13

TA Staff member Emily is back with chapter 13 of Twilight:

Chapter Thirteen – CONFESSIONS By Emily

The iconic scene that led to the birth of this amazing love story is found in Chapter 13, “Confessions.” Bella and Edward spend the day together and finally come to terms with the intense feelings that have been building between them. Bella learns the answers to many questions about Edward and declarations are made.

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Edward’s physical beauty is magnified when he finally shows Bella his true self underneath the sunlight. Bella is mesmerized at how he appears to be a sparkling stone statue and hesitantly reaches out to touch him for the first time. Edward is amazed at her comfort being near him and relaxes, to the point that she catches him off guard, causing him to run away.

After Edward regains control of himself, the couple discusses their fear of being together as well as their fear of being apart from each other. Edward explains the reasons behind all of his actions when they first met, both his bloodlust and his realization that he is in love with Bella Given all of this information and her passionate feelings for him, Bella understands that they have just declared themselves to each other. With Bella’s encouragement, Edward relaxes again and this time he is the one who reaches out to touch Bella, slowly holding her close.

Time passes and they must leave the Meadow. Instead of walking hours back to the truck, Edward shows Bella how he travels in the forest. The exhilarating run is too much for Bella and she becomes dizzy with motion sickness. This isn’t helped when Edward kisses Bella for the first time. Their first kiss reveals both the passion and restraint between the two, and allows Edward to realize that he has the strength to be close to Bella. Taking advantage of her “intoxicated” state, Edward convinces Bella that he should drive her truck back to Charlie’s house.

Characters Involved:
Bella Swan, Edward Cullen

Characters Mentioned:
Jasper Hale, Emmett Cullen, Carlisle Cullen, Ms. Cope, Esme Cullen, Jessica Stanley, Rosalie Hale, Alice Cullen

Places Visited:
the Meadow

Significant events
Edward confesses to Bella about all of his actions and motivations since they met
Edward reveals his feeling for Bella and Bella assures Edward of her feelings
Edward kisses Bella
Bella goes for her first run with Edward

Memorable Quotes

Edward Cullen: “It’s too easy to be myself with you.” Chapter 13, pg 262

Bella Swan: “Well, that’s not exactly the fear I meant, though that’s certainly something to think about.”
Chapter 13, pg 262

Edward Cullen: “I am so very sorry. Would you understand what I meant if I said I was only human?” Chapter 13, pg 263

Edward Cullen: “I’m the world’s best predator, aren’t I? Everything about me invites you in – my voice, my face, even my smell. As if I need any of that! As if you could out run me. As if you could fight me off.”
Chapter 13, pg 263

Edward Cullen: “Don’t be afraid. I promise…I swear not to hurt you.” Chapter 13, pg 264

Edward Cullen: “Please forgive me. I can control myself. You caught me off guard. But I’m on my best behavior now.” Chapter 13, pg 265

Bella Swan: I looked into his eyes, abruptly grasping that this was every bit as new to him as it was to me. As many years of unfathomable experience as he had, this was hard for him too. I took courage from that. Chapter 13, pgs 265, 266

Bella Swan: “I don’t want you to leave.” Chapter 13, pg 266

Edward Cullen: “Which is exactly why I should. But don’t worry. I’m essentially a selfish creature. I crave you company too much to do what I should.
Chapter 13, pg 266

Edward Cullen: “That’s amazingly pleasant, the warmth.” Chapter 13, pg 267

Edward Cullen: “Yes, you are exactly my brand of heroin.”
Chapter 13, pg 267

Edward Cullen: “And then, as I tried to rearrange my schedule in a pointless attempt to avoid you, you were there – in that close, warm, little room, the scent was maddening. I so very nearly took you then.” Chapter 13, pg 270

Edward Cullen: “I’d dealt with temptation before, not of this magnitude, not even close, but I was strong. Who were you, an insignificant little girl to chase me from the place I wanted to be? So I came back…” Chapter 13, pg 271

Edward Cullen: “All the time, all I could think was, ‘Not her.’” Chapter 13, pg 272

Edward Cullen: “Bella, I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt you. You don’t know how it’s tortured me. The thought of you, still, white, cold…to never see you blush scarlet again, to never see that flash of intuition in your eyes when you see through my pretenses…it would be unendurable. You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.” Chapter 13, pg 273

Edward Cullen: “And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…”
Bella Swan: “What a stupid lamb.”
Edward Cullen: “What a sick, masochistic lion.”
Chapter 13, pg 274

Bella Swan: I knew at any moment it could be too much, and my life could end – so quickly that I might not even notice. And I couldn’t make myself be afraid. Chapter 13, pg 276

Edward Cullen: “I wish, I wish you could feel the…complexity…the confusion…I feel. That you could understand.” Chapter 13, pg 277

Edward Cullen: “There are other hungers. Hungers I don’t even understand, that are foreign to me.” Chapter 13, pg 278

Edward Cullen: “I have human instincts – they may be buried deep, but they’re there.” Chapter 13, pg 278

Edward Cullen: “Hah! You’re as white as a ghost – no, you’re as white as me!” Chapter 13, pg 281

Edward Cullen: “I was thinking there was something I wanted to try.”

Bella Swan: “Oops.”
Edward Cullen: “That’s an understatement.”
Chapter 13, pg 282

Edward Cullen: “I’m stronger that I thought. It’s nice to know.” Chapter 13, pg 283

Edward Cullen: “Are you still faint from the run? Or was it my kissing expertise?” Chapter 13, pg 283

Edward Cullen: “You’re intoxicated by my very presence.” Chapter 13, pg 284

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 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?

How did you envision Edward “sparkling” when you read about it for the first time? Were you fascinated or shocked?

Can you relate to Bella and Edward’s reactions to each other? Is this love? Do you think this could be more than just love?

Do you think Bella’s fear of being separated from Edward is illogical?

Did you understand and empathize with Edward now that you know the reasoning behind his previous actions at school? Do you agree with his choices? What do you think about Edward’s control over his desires?

Did Edward’s demonstration of his strength frighten you?

What do you think about Edward’s choice of analogies as he describes his feelings for Bella?

Now that you know more, how do you feel about Edward? Do you love him as Bella does? Or do you think that Bella has no self-preservation instincts and should fear for her life?

What did you think about the run with Edward? Would you like to go for a ride like that?

Do you like the lighter side of Edward? Does it endear you to him more, as Bella describes?

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

Each Friday we will post a new chapter. Please read along with us and jump into the discussion. Add your thoughts, questions, insights, etc….We look forward to hearing from you.