Edward was taken by surprise falling in love with Bella. But it seems any girl would go ga-ga for Edward if given a chance. Lets discuss how we know Bella is truly in love with Edward and not just infatuated with and attracted too him. Of course infatuation and attraction are obvious, but this love story wouldn't be what it is unless we truly believe Bella loves Edward. (This discussion is meant to be centered around thier relationship before New Moon. )
A few months back we had a discussion on when Edward really started falling in love with Bella. Its a great review, and we would love new comments. The link is here:
After you review Edwards side of the story, lets discuss Bella's. How is her love genuine when it is so new?
All the other wonderful aspects of their relationship will be discussed at the meeting.
5 comments:
The first thing that comes to mind is that Bella is also having feelings that she has never felt before, like Edward. She is trying very hard to fight what she's feeling and at first almost hates what he is able to stir inside her. It just can't be helped though.
Of course there's more, but I think that was the start of it...I'll let others add some thoughts as well before I hog too much space.
I agree, with the new feelings part. And remember, in eclipse how she is soooo against all the marriage stuff. She is not that kind of girl, she says.
In thinking of this, I have a hard time not letting my mind wander to what happened to Bella's heart in NM. I just read a part in Eclipse where she wonders to herself if she hadn't experienced what she did with Edward leaving, would she still be feeling the way she feels (sorry not exact, I can't go get my book, because my husband thinks I'm cleaning - not typing on his laptop - I'd have to pass him, twice)(in realizing that she loves Edward more). Anyway, I don't know what my problem is, being a pessimist, or realist, I don't know, but if SM would've have stopped after TW, it would've just been to 'fantastic' for me. Even though both NM and E is torturous in some ways, I feel like their relationship is obviously tested and tried, and thus defined by what happens later on....so sorry, I really didn't stick to what I was supposed to.
I do think that Bella's being drawn to Edward just wasn't a choice for her - she says that several times, in many ways throughout the series. It was automatic - really like he had been waiting for her for a hundred years. I don't know why, but I am actually more drawn to how wonderful Bella is for Edward, above and beyond how wonderful Edward is - is that possible?! I guess... well I haven't really figured it out...sorry! Wow, I really just butchered up this comment, so sorry - hope some of it makes sense! (Joseph just came in a caught me...)
Bella is a loving person in general; she considers other people's feelings. That isn't terribly common for someone that age to worry more about others than themselves. So finding someone who is as considerate of her as she is him goes a long way towards cementing that relationship.
As far as being genuine, that depends on what you mean by genuine.
Bella is always genuine - not just with Edward. She is very rational about her relationships and sees them for what they are. She is guided by emotion but not ruled by it. So, she can safely assume that her feelings are real. She is a teenager, and teen romances don't always last forever, but does that mean that the love can't be real? The reason so many people assume teen love isn't real is because so many teens are governed by selfishness, hormones, emotions, or the trends of the moment (including who is popular and good looking) - and so their relationships are based on these principles instead of on love. Bella does not fall prey to any of these influences, so I think we can safely believe that this could be a lasting thing.
As far as if Bella realizes her love is permanent, I don't know that she was certain of that; but she does know herself and knows that she does not change her mind - or feelings - easily. I agree with Erin that NM was necessary for B & E to conciously realize that their love was permanent.
Adding to that, Bella says early in TW (I think on the way to the meadow?) that it would actually cause her physical pain if Edward were not there! I mean, just reiterating, she certainly does know herself/her feelings. And before that when she walks into the forest to think about the whole Vampire thing - she just decides that it doesn't matter...she just needs him, whoever he is!!
You guys both made some really great points! Wow, thanks.
I do totally love that in TW when she's in the forest, and she comes to her decision THEN, that it doesn't matter what or who he is. And of course, the thought of her not being with him, even early on, was physically painful. As we see come true in NM of course.
They just were so meant for each other, Edward just had to wait a little longer...
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