I would just like to preface this column with a very simple statement: I have read all of the Twilight series. Every single book, as soon as they came out. My opinion and any prejudice that I have is not contingent upon what I have heard about the series but purely off of what I have read.
With that being said, I think fans and critics of the series can both agree that the Twilight series is not a great work of literature. The plot is unoriginal, the dialogue is laughable and the prose is unprofessional. OK, maybe fans wouldn’t agree with that last part, but it is certainly safe to say that Twilight is never going to appear in any other section other than “Teen Fiction”.
This is not to say that it doesn’t make an enjoyable read – its popularity among women and men of all ages is a testament to its likeability as well as the movies that have recently generated a new wave of “Twi-Hards”.
In fact, the most recent installment of the film interpretation of the series is due for release Nov. 20. And if last year’s results are any indicator of the potential prosperity of its successor, then we should be due for another sweep at the box offices as well as at the MTV Movie Awards and Teen Choice Awards.
But lots of movies and books are popular. For example, well-known romance novelist Danielle Steele has several books on The New York Times Best Seller list. However, romance novels typically don’t appear in the literature section of most bookstores. It doesn’t mean they’re not entertaining books – it just means that any English teacher or professor will be more than happy to explain to you the term “literary merit” and how Twilight is completely lacking in that definition.
But never fear. There is a solution to end this madness – because, yes, it is madness. There is a very serious problem when young women profess to be in love with mythical creepers of “I like watching you sleep” fame. Ladies, there is nothing wrong with a little bit of light romantic reading- I do it too- but there is a key to reading romance and not getting made fun of for it. Make sure it comes from the literature section.
Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. If you think Edward Cullen is hot stuff, wait ‘till you read about Mr. Darcy. Because believe it or not – Edward Cullen is essentially an updated typical literary gentleman with vampire fangs.
But seriously, I encourage you – no, I’m begging you – please give your next choice of novel some thought before checking it out or buying it. You’d be surprised to find out the amount of good reading that’s outside of the Teen Fiction section.
The problem with the Twilight series is that it fails to fulfill the purpose of reading, which is ultimately and has always been to expand a reader’s mind while providing entertainment. While Twilight is almost superfluous in the entertainment area, it lacks entirely any kind of literary consequence.
One only needs to glance at the back cover of Twilight to understand what I mean – “About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part him – I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
…I know, right?
I mean honestly, are there any lessons to be learned from Twilight? Don’t date vampires?
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