But I called the first post “Slaughtering the Sacred Cow”, and I wrote them, because no one seems to feel like they are allowed to be critical of these two characters. I feel it’s important to note that you can be flawed and still be perfectly lovable.

However, I think that the way Bella was described made it perfect for everyone to slip into the fantasy relationship. I know I did, at least.

It’s my personal opinion that if Bella had been more persistent, she would’ve gotten what she wanted from Edward.

In regard to her being a “horndog” – You said it yourself – Bella had never before been in a relationship, and suddenly she’s with a guy she’s so deeply attracted to that she literally faints the second time they ever kiss. I don’t think it’s that unbelieveable that her repressed sexuality would surface in her situation.

And let’s not kid ourselves – even virgins who’ve never had a boyfriend have sexualities. I never had a relationship until I was 18 (& I’d never been anywhere CLOSE to having sex or any type of fooling around), and yet I’d learned to pleasure myself when I was very young. So when I finally entered into that first relationship, I behaved in much the same way as Bella – only this guy was far from “godlike.” And he certainly didn’t make me pass out when I kissed him.

In regard to her not enjoying receiving gifts – I have to admit that that particular trait bothered me a bit as well, but I understand it was one of those “quirks,” one of those flaws SM chose to gave her to make her more realistic. We all have flaws and quirks, after all.

If Bella been described as being pretty, coordinated, and unopposed to receiving gifts, she would’ve elicited complaints from readers about being a perfect Mary Sue. I personally like her as she is, flaws and all.

-Kari

That being said, a part of me clings to the love I have for the books and in the books. I too was one of the girls who had very little experience with boys until later in life (first kiss at 15, first boyfriend at 17), but I can’t argue with your POV when it comes to the idea of Bella suddenly developing this sexual prowess upon meeting Edward. In fact, in Bella’s case, I would expect her to be a lot more timid, given her characterization in the books. For me, it sure didn’t happen for a long time, actually it took months before being the kind of aggressive Bella seemingly discovered in just a matter of weeks. Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that she was up against someone that had a draw that none of us have ever actually been up against.

I am more than willing to accept that everything stated here is truth, but I like to get lost in that unrealistic fantasy that is the Twilight series and I find that I can put aside these character flaws in lieu of the ridiculous joy I find in the satisfaction the books provide me.

Perhaps when I read them again (and it’s going to be a while) I will see it in a different way. Besides, I’m way too busy with the Brotherhood right now to even think about going there, hah!

What really bugs me the most about Bella in the books is her aversion to recieving gifts. I do NOT understand that. She isn’t just playing coy, she literally HATES getting gifts! If I tried to give someone a gift and they constantly acted the way Bella did about it, I would be offended and hurt. I don’t blame Edward for acting the way he does when he tries to give her gifts. He is in a position where he can do those things for her, and she insults him in her attitude about it. Giving gifts is an expression of love and friendship, and by refusing them so cavalierly, Bella was in a sense, refusing Edward’s love and friendship.

I loved the books for the story they told. But like you, Meesh, when I stepped back and looked at things, I wanted to smack Bella (and Edward, but mostly Bella) upside the head for being such a whiny martyr. Sheesh, get a backbone already! =)