Is Twilight Sick?
There is something everyone should bother about Twilight…
This is a love story about a teenage girl and a man who could easily be her great-grandfather. Bella is a 17-year-old teenage girl while Edward is a 104-year-old male vampire. Now, I am not here to preach about the age difference. And despite I could, I am not going to nag about how she is kind of underage — which she is. I will leave that aside. What bother’s me is Edward’s mentality as well as the fact that this book is considered deeply romantic by so many people. Would people love Twilight if Edward looked ugly like all men in his age?
Edward’s Psychology — Narcissistic Mazochist
Before I start with Edward’s psychology, allow me a brief paragraph dedicated to Bella. She is another teenage girl looking for love and facing the challenges of growing up. It’s completely ok she fell for Edward who has the body and face of a beautifully looking teenager. In addition to looks, Edward saved her using tremendous speed and strength. Who wouldn’t fall for that? Say nothing of the vail of mystery around him.
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But how the hell did Edward fall for Bella? He is 104 years old. Although it seems insane, we can justify the fact that he goes to high school. Vampires with teenage bodies need to cover their nature and blend in with the flow of normal human lives. But why does he fall for a teenage girl? Shouldn’t his psychology drive him to find a match with someone who is a bit more mature? And didn’t he know what torment and suffering was he going to put Bella through? It’s simple math. They fall in love and he has to convert her. He knew that. Edward knew about all the dangers. Why didn’t he just cut their relationship right away? After living for more than a century, you learn to control your emotions. Keep it in the pants. I will tell you why.
Because Edward is a narcissistic masochist. Yes! He loves to impress. And teenagers who have seen nothing are the easiest targets. After kids of course, but that would be too sick. Remember when Bella saw Edward shining for the first time? Of course, everyone would be shocked and impressed. But imagine how big the impression is of a 17-year-old girl who realizes she is in a relationship with a divine creature. It gives him feelings of worth and power. As well as the fact that she is so weak and helpless in front of the dangers the world carries. It feels great for Edward to be the tormented protector.
He also feeds on the fact that she is willing to die for him. And then there is all that suffering. Edwards loves to suffer. It adds to his nobility. He is a black hole of pathology for God’s sake. But this is just the beginning. The peak of his narcissistic personality is precisely in the fact that he would be willing to die for Bella as well. Oh yes! Look how noble I am because I am ready to die for the woman I love — although he will never say it out loud. Maybe not even think of it. But he does think he is better than the rest of humanity. Better than the rest of his family. Better than everyone. And he doesn’t save words to point out how he is the one who loves and suffers more in a relationship — because vampires have stronger feelings.
I will say it again, if a 104-year-old truly loved anyone but himself, he would let Bella go. We could forgive him if he was a teenager who just became a vampire. But with a century of life experience — no! You Edward Cullen are one sick bastard!
Dorian Gray Syndrome
And what if Edward looked like an old man? Would people still love the book? Or a movie? This book is considered to be deeply romantic. However, the main focus is on looks and power. Everything about Edward is super super! Especially his looks. Shining like diamonds below the sun. And what if he was ugly? And weak? As far as I see, this book is all about an abusive relationship that takes place in the eternal party of pretty immortals. If we put fun aside, what does Twilight really offer besides beauty and power?
