TA TALKS BACK: CALLING ALL BOYS!!!
TA Forum member JW Healy bring us: While I know there are some Twilight-transformed boys out there, most of the male species are swearing off on this timeless love story between a quiet girl and a sexy vampire. Inreality, they should be committing the book to memory. Read on for the reason why.
Mothers, Daughters, Girl Friends:
Put your significant other in front of the screen and have him read this.
Hey, Guys: Quit thinking that Twilight is only for girls!
I have a teenage son; he just turned 17. He works hard at his studies, is a Peer Support leader, plays jazz and rock drums and is on the varsity volleyball team. Most people who meet him think he’s handsome. And, in addition to his good looks, I think he has a great personality. Despite all of these glorious attributes, one thing is missing from his life: Twilight. In fact, I’ve told him he MUST read Twilight. He looks at me like I’m nuts. “That’s a girl’s book, Mom,” he says.But I have a very good reason for insisting that my son and all teenage boys (and their fathers, for that matter) immediately run out and buy their own copy of Twilight and read it thoroughly. In fact, they should read it over and over again. Study it like a required text. Take notes. Memorize it. No, they should not read it for its plot, character development, relationships or literary appeal. (Truth be told, Stephenie Meyer’s writing isn’t in the same category as Austen or Brontë or Eliot. But, to be fair, that wasn’t really her intent in the first place. Her intent was to tell a timeless love story and she very much succeeded at that goal.) All teenage boys (and their fathers) should read Twilight for one reason and one reason only: to study Edward Cullen. By observing and adopting Edward Cullen’s mannerisms, personality and particularly the loving and respectful way that he treats women, all boys and their dads will automatically become more likable men.
It was no surprise to me that Robert Pattinson became the “It” guy after females saw his portrayal of Edward in the movie. Pattinson’s sultry, smooth voice; his drop-dead, gorgeous good looks; his translucent skin; his shock of bronze hair; his beautiful, deep-set eyes; and his phenomenal acting skills helped the young actor create a vampire for the ages. (If you go back to the book, I defy you to picture anyone else in that role. You can’t. He has made an indelible impression as Edward and no one else in the world could ever embody this character except for Robert Pattinson. He may consider that an unfortunate career situation for himself but all of us girls thank God that he personified Edward so well.)
But, despite Pattinson’s memorable portrayal, Edward could have been played by the ugliest guy in Hollywood and girls still would have swooned. Pattinson has admitted as much in interviews. He has said that the girls are screaming for the character, not for him. Listen to Rob: he’s right!
And, do you know why we are so attracted to this “monster?” (Boys: are you still with me?) Because Edward is a remarkably loving, considerate and strong male figure whose old-fashioned romanticism is unlike any modern-day male’s more crass sense of romance. Edward is a turn-of-the-century romantic in a 21st century world – Edward slow dances while the modern-day boy pops; Edward listens to Debussy while the modern-day boy listens to Diddy. Although some women will say that Edward is nothing but a control-freak vampire, I would argue that his old-fashioned sense of romance makes him protective and loving – and these are attractive traits to any woman no matter what century she is born in.
Let’s look more closely at Edward’s love of Bella. It’s not because she’s super-hot or has a reputation for being fast and loose; it’s not because she hangs with the “in” crowd or likes doing wild things; it’s not because she has money, a nice car or expensive clothing. Although the first time Edward meets Bella, he actually wants to kill her, he also is mystified by her. After that first bout of emotional distress, he begins wondering exactly why he is so attracted to her. Slowly, as he gets to know her, he is intrigued by her until he finally can’t live without her. But, therein lies the key to his appeal – he gets to know her.
Upon reading Midnight Sun, you’ll see that he carefully observes Bella and begins understanding her character a little bit at a time. When she talks about moving to Forks to give her mom some much-needed alone time with Phil, Edward thinks of Bella as “selfless.” When he notices her driving slowly and carefully in inclement weather, he considers her “a serious person, a responsible person.” After the accident, when Carlisle examines her and she says nothing’s wrong even though Edward can see she’s in pain, he thinks she’s “brave.” These small clues to Bella’s personality give Edward a window into her soul and he falls more deeply in love with her until he is completely smitten and can’t live without her.
What woman wouldn’t want a man to be completely smitten by her? What woman wouldn’t want a man to think he can’t live without her? What woman wouldn’t want a man to consider her selfless, responsible and brave? What woman wouldn’t rather have her inner beauty be judged than her exterior looks? What woman wouldn’t want a man to love her so much that he strives to overcome his biggest conflict – a desire to kill her – and transfer that murderous desire to one of protection and ever-lasting love? What woman wouldn’t want a man to get to know her more deeply? Guys, you should understand this…every woman wants those things!
Today, in our fast-paced, high-energy, superficial, MTV-style, pop-culture world, no one takes the time to get to know – really know – the other person. Instead, we categorize people into types: She’s smart? She must be boring. She’s got a nice personality? She must be ugly. She’s a cheerleader? She must put out on the first date. She likes computers? She must be a nerd. Not only are these biased and unfair judgments, they are judgments based on nothing. People aren’t types; people are human beings with hearts, souls and brains. If we only got to see into those hearts, souls and brains, we might be happily surprised at what we find. But, who takes the time to do that these days? I’ll tell you who: Edward Cullen.
Guys, pay attention! In Twilight, Stephenie Meyer has written a primer on how to be the perfect boy friend! And, this is precisely why I want my son to read it. While not every boy can be an Edward Cullen, even if you try to have just a little bit of Edward in you, you’ll be ahead of the game. So, go today and buy a copy of Twilight (or, borrow your girl friend’s…she’ll willingly let you take it if you tell her you want to be her Edward). Read it. Commit it to memory. Then, treat your girl friend as she would like Edward to treat her. You’ll be shocked at how well your new romantic visions will be reciprocated. Your girl friend will thank you. And, you’ll thank me.
Ladies…what do you think? Wouldn’t you want an Edward Cullen to call your own?
Will you make sure your boy friend gets a dose of Twilight?
Guys…what do you think? Don’t you want to satisfy your girl friend in the Edward Cullen Way? So, why are you still in front of your computer reading this? Get out and start reading Twilight!
Talk Back to us…..
Related Articles
I completely agree with this article!!!
I have already made my 19 year old nephew read all the books and see the movie and I can say that his girlfriend is a very happy person. Everything that is being stated is true! I’ve had discussions about Edward Cullen with a couple of my guy friends and they admit that Stephenie Meyer has created the perfect man that women want. What I want all guys to do is just start to love like Edward loves with complete and total devotion. You don’t really get to see that anymore.
I think it would be a good idea for the guys to know a little bit about Twilight and to see the good qualities in Edward. But I think it must be more of a guideline - I don’t think I’d ever want an Edward drone. At the least it will give any guy insight into what women find charming, attractive and romantic.
I have to agree 100%. This is exactly how the books appeal to me. Every girl should have their Edward. I have mine, been married 10 years and have 3 children(and his name happens to be Robert…lol). Way to go Stephanie for creating inspiring charactors and for Robert Pattinson bringing Edward to life for the us fans. Thanks!
This article was awesome! And I totally agree with it, all guys should read it! I already convinced my brother to read it; and he actually luved it! But I’ve yet to convince my dad, lolz. Read on twiguys!
My boyfriend is 22 and I took him to see the movie. After he seen it he wanted to read the books. He is now on the 3rd one. Plus he has a crush on Alice hahaha!
I love that he’s into it just like me.
Finally someone wrote what ive been telling my brother and guy friends for ever! They need to stop thinking of it as a “chick” thing! I would love to have Robert Pattinson…but ill settle for my own unique version of Edward Cullen! Read on guys! You’ve got alot of homework to do!
Dang, this article is long. I only read the first two paragraphs and kinda gave up. But as you can see I am a boy and I’ve read Twilight, I really liked it too. But as we all want to have a “Perfect” man, we can’t. While I was talking to another friend who had read Twilight and all the other books, and seen the movie, who was a girl, she told me that she hated Edward. Her reason for hating Edward was because he is not like a real person, yes he may have feelings and treats Bella nicely, but he sneaks into her room through her window and watches her sleep. I am pretty sure most guys do not do that, and that not many girls will enjoy being watched while they sleep.
However I do agree on your idea of getting other males to read it so they have the main idea of how girls want them to act up in their head. Just make sure they don’t end up sneaking into girl’s houses and watch them sleep, it’s stalker-ish.
OME I totally agree with this…guys these days just don’t know how to treat a woman!! I’m looking for my Edward Cullen, because Edward is a romantic, what girl doesn’t love romance? He’s old fashioned and isn’t pushing anything, he wants things done the right way, after marriage, even her become a vampire. I think it’s sweet how protective he is of Bella…it’s also romantic he plays the piano and wrote her a lullaby, not that every guy needs to learn how to play music or anything, but they can find some special thing that is just between or for them and their girlfriend. Great job!!!
i totally agree. im a mom too, and i told the same thing to my son. im free now and after reading all the books, im asking myself : and what if it happens to me.?!.. (sorry for mistakes in writing, im french)
This mom has it right as did I! Absolutely every woman I know would want a man who is so totally smitten and protective that she never has to worry - Is there someone else? Am I enough? Edward is the perfect ideal man in my book. And my husband has also read the books. Many times I asked him, why do you think so many women love this book? His answer was “Passion. Commitment. True love.” Sigh…. We’ve been married for almost 15 years and suddenly we are holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and when we say “I love you” there’s a new vibrato behind those words. Twilight is a wonderful reminder of what pure love is and how blissful it can feel.
I totally agree with her. This days every guy I know looks for a girl for there exterior. I think Edward Cullen would be the perfect example of how a guy should be.
If a guy studies Edward and then applies it to his life I know they will find there ideal partner and his partner will be forever thankfull to Twilight for helping him change.
Well said. I think that if every guy was as polite and sweet as Edward Cullen, romantisism as we know it would lose some of it’s value. It’s nice to think that every guy should be that romantically sweet, but I mean, if every guy was that great, how would you know who stood out? What romantic gestures would be considered romantic? I guess everything is relevant. I think the article was great though, if every guy just took a little bit away from Twilight maybe there would be many more happy couples and less divorce and misery. People would appreciate each other and every moment they had together. My Edward (my husband, who’s middle name is Edward) is not as perfect and well spoken as Edward Cullen, but he is sweet and super devoted… sometimes he will argue with me that He loves me more than I love him… its been our own little joke for years now, it reminds me of how Edward told Bella she can’t possibly care for him as much as he cares for her.
My husband is also fiercely protective over me… it can be a little annoying but I know he just loves me and wants to keep me safe. I think everyone needs their own Edward. I am glad I have mine. 
I completely agree with her. She is absolutely right. Edward Cullen is truly the ideal man. Guys need to realize that it’s not about looks or money or any superficial stuff…it’s about respect and adoration. Guys should study Edward and act like him. They will be grateful for Twilight and it’s mannerisms forever.
Amen!
This is so true. My 13 year old brother likes the books and movie, but my dad and male relatives hate it and don’t understand what I see in it.
hey im a guy and i love twilight!
I agree but it doesn’t always work. My boyfriend actually finished the series before me and well he isnt an Edward. I still love him but i think it made him afraid we would become TOO serious like they were.