TWILIGHT BOOK CLUB: CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE, THE ANGEL

TAer Claire is back with chapter 23 of Twilight.

In Chapter Twenty-Three, The Angel, Bella wakes from her encounter with James, writhing in pain. She hears an angel…Edward, and also Carlisle and Alice tending to her. She can barely speak as they ask her questions. She hears other noises in the studio that she cannot determine. Among her injuries are broken ribs and a broken leg. Bella is at first unable to tell them what is causing her the worst pain. She finally cries out about the fire…and Edward and Carlisle realize that James bit her hand. Edward is forced to make the decision he knows that he cannot make – to allow Bella to join his world. Carlisle then offers him an equally difficult option, one that requires the ultimate restraint: to suck the venom from the wound, allowing Bella to remain human, without killing her.

Throughout the ordeal, Bella floats in and out of consciousness. She is aware of Edward’s presence and realizes when he has successfully removed the venom. He declares his love for her before carrying her in his arms from the studio.

Characters Involved:
Edward Cullen, Bella Swan, Carlisle Cullen, Alice

Characters Mentioned:
James, Renee Dwyer

Places Visited:
The Ballet Studio

Significant Events
The Cullens discover Bella at the ballet studio, seriously injured after her encounter with James.

Edward learns that James has bitten Bella.

Edward is forced to make a choice between changing Bella into a vampire or finding the strength to suck the venom from her wound without killing her.

Edward finds the will to remove the venom and Bella retains her humanity.

Memorable Quotes

Bella: “Because, through the heavy water, I heard the sound of an angel calling my name, calling me to the only heaven I wanted.” Chapter 23, pg.452

Bella: “But the sharp pains were fading. There was a new pain, a scalding pain in my hand that was overshadowing everything else.” Chapter 23, pg.454

Bella Swan: “My hand is burning!” Chapter 23, pg.454

Carlisle Cullen: “He bit her.” Chapter 23, pg.454

Edward Cullen: “Carlisle, I…I don’t know if I can do that.” Chapter 23, pg.455

Bella Swan: “I watched his eyes as the doubt was suddenly replaced with a blazing determination.” Chapter 23, pg.455

Bella Swan: “Stay, Edward, stay with me.” Chapter 23, pg.456

Edward Cullen: “I love you.” Chapter 23, pg.456

Edward Cullen: “You can sleep, sweetheart, I’ll carry you.” Chapter 23, pg.457

Questions for consideration:

1. When reading Bella’s narrative in this chapter, did you imagine the events taking place around Bella that she was not fully aware of? What did you think was happening?

2. Did you think that Edward would allow Bella to change?

3. When Edward chose to suck the venom from Bella’s hand – did you think he would have the strength to stop?

4. At that moment in the ballet studio, did you want Edward to allow Bella to become a vampire?

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.