Topic Three: Beyong the human/non-human divide

Discussion Topic Three (2009/9/28~10/4):

Beyond the divide between human and non-human

Bella Swan has long desired to become a vampire to stay forever young and beautiful  so that she would be compatible to Edward Cullen.  Her goal is the fulfillment of love in both physical and psychological unity, as symbolized in the love story between Cupid and Psyche.

However, Edward has long determined to stop this "crossing-over" from happening and has tried his best efforts  to prevent and to postpone Bella's  transformation. Edward would consider  this possibility only when  Bella's life is in japerdy.  In other words,  he would inject his venom into Bella's body as the last resort to keep her alive. He wants Bella to lead a normal human life, the one he was forced to surrender in order to stay alive.

Does Edward want Bella to grasp what he has considered to be invaluable, i.e., a human life?  By so doing, does Edward impose upon Bella what he likes instead of considering what she wants? Does Edward really understand and turely feel the urgency of Bella's needs to be transformed into a vampire and to become one of the Cullens?

Let's examine Edward's motivation from another perspective. By denying Bella's request to be transformed into a non-human creature, does Edward try to urge Bella to stay what she really is and to cherish what she has in hand, her status quo as a human?

In her aspiration for becoming a vampire in order to be compatible with her love, does Bella actually let go of something that is truely essential for her existence, e.g., life with her parents and the integrity of her personality? 

Can Bella re-define the word "compatibity" in love relationship?

Maybe, she does not have to go beyond the human/non-human devide in order to fulfill her love.  Maybe, Edward would love her the way she really is, i.e., to be human. To be human involves changes and vulnerability: growing up, aging, giving birth, falling ill, and eventually death.  Maybe Edward would love Bella even more deelpy simply because the very nature of her human life:  Nothing would last forever, so hold every minute dearly.

However, it is only too natural for a human female to hold "youth" and "beauty" to be the deciding factors for a love relationship to stand. Are they really the criteria for a successful love relationship?  Is this the way how love and marriage are constructed in human society?  Or, is this simply human nature?  In this sense, it is perfectly sensible for Bella to want to become an immortal and beautiful vampire.

Discussion topics:
Do you think it is resonable for Edward to stop Bella from becoming a vampire? 
Do you think it is the right thing for Bella to do to become a vampire in order to fulfill her love?
What would you do if you were Edward and/or Bella?

Topic Two: Torn between a vampire and a werewolf

Discussion Topic Two (2009/9/21~9/28): 

Torn between a vampire and a werewolf

During Edward's absence in Book II, Bella developed strong ties with Jacob and was torn between  her desire for the vampire and her affections toward the werewolf.  Some people consider that the deep friendship between Bella and Jacob, which shows mutual understanding, respect and caring,  to be a sound foundation for a good marriage, while  others hold that love involves sexual attraction and determination to be together and what happens between Bella and Edward fits these criteria perfectly.  In this sense, Jacob is but an intruder and Bella is destined to be with Edward from the very beginning. However, choosing Edward means that Bella has to transform herself from a human being to a vampire, which means she would lead a total different life from before.  In contrast, if she chooses Jacob, she could stay what she was and enjoy a life with her original family and that of Jocab's.

Discussion topic:  If you were Bella, which man would you choose, Jacob or Edward?  Do you mind making really big changes to cope with the life with your spouse?

Topic One: A Better Ending for the Maid in "The Girl with a Pearl Earring"

Discussion Topic One (2009/9/14~9/20):

For Griet, the young maid, which decision would be better: To marry a butcher or to remain single after she left Vermeer's house?

 

The film entitled "Girl with a Pearl Earring" was adapted from by Tracy Chevalier's novel of the same title. Centered around Vermeer's 1665 painting of an unknown girl with turban, this invented story deals with the issue of a young woman's awakening from her social postions and her decisions to decide her own fate.



For the painter Vermeer, Griet served the double roles of assitant and Muse, who inspired him and helped him. For the art collector/sponser, Griet was but another sexual object and her painting, another piece of art collection for private sexual fantasy. For Vermeer's mother-in-law, Griet was just instrumental--to help his son-in-law complete painting and earn some money. For Vermeer's wife, Griet was an intruder and a threat.


Caught in this web of interhuman relation and situated in different positions, Griet finally woke up from her dream of being a Muse and faced the cruel reality that she was just a maid. As a husband and with the painting finished, Vermeer was in no position to protect Griet anymore. His committment to her and need for her were simply in art world, not in reality. Griet was forced to leave.

In the novel, Griet married Peter and became a butcher's wife and mother of two sons. Peter never asked Griet about the ear piercing and they lived a good and happy life. Vermeer died in poverty and most of his possesstions had to go through auction. In his will, he deliberately indicated that the pair of pearl earrings should go to Griet: In his mind, Griet matched with the pearl earring and he requested to see Griet's painting again before he died. After Griet received the earrings, she sold them and used the money to pay the debt Vermeer's family owed Peter, for she thought that a butcher's wife was in not position to war pearl earrings.


In the movie, Griet just went home to resume her role of a daughter. When the pair of pearl earrings arrived in her hands, she realized that her contribution to Vermeer's family was finally recognized and her devotion to be Vermeer's model and assitant was finally appreciated. The director of the film seemed to leave Griet's marrital decision open: Her decision to marry Peter or not was not related with the incident at Vermeer's house. She didn't have to rush a marriage after quitting the job at Vermeer's house.

Discussion topic:
Which ending do you prefer? Why?

Please post your comments below.  Don't forget to leave your name.  Thank you!