Kristen Englert
Life and Arts Assistant
Recently, teenage girls, middle-aged moms and even grandmothers have become obsessed with something new: stone cold, black eyed, blood-thirsty vampires. With Stephenie Meyers topping the book charts, due to her recent publication of “Twilight” in 2007, vampires have been moving up the ranks in popularity.
Some say the obsessions started with bumper stickers on Facebook, with everyone wondering, “Who is Edward Cullen?” Others say it was Meyer bolting to the top of the charts, challenging the likes of the ever-popular J.K. Rowling. But, the main question remains: “What is it about vampires that attract women near and far?”
For those born before 1990, Buffy isn’t too far back in history. Sarah Michelle Gellar beat up the enemy, while falling in love with the unimaginable. But, vampires had since retreated from the public — until now, that is.
Cue Edward Cullen — the main reason women swoon over the “Twilight” books. As a series of four, there is enough of this sexy vampire to go around. With devilishly good looks, a love for Bella, the main character, and a mystery about him, it’s easy to look past the fact that all he wants is to suck blood.
Many believe “Twilight” crosses the boundaries between what is safe and what is too dangerous for ones own good. Falling in love with a vampire isn’t exactly picture perfect, but falling in love with Edward Cullen is indeed worth the risk.
“There is something so appealing about vampires — about a love that can last an eternity, their odd need for blood,” Senior Nikita Pritchett said. “As ridiculous as it may sound, the love, passion and romance that exists in that book moves me to make my relationships so much more meaningful.”
Examining a girl’s need for love and protection, “Twilight” not only touches on love, but on the awkwardness of high school and the desire to find a soul mate.
Bella Swan, the main character in “Twilight,” is an gawky senior in Forks, WA. She must deal with the day-to-day mess of a new high school and the need to fit in.
“Everyone can see a bit of themselves in Bella,” said freshman Lorn Vriniotis. “Who hasn’t tripped in front of a crowd of people, made an excuse to get out of an unwanted date? We get so hooked on the series because we become Bella, and it’s no longer Bella’s love affair with Edward — it’s our own.”
“Twilight” continues to impact readers by giving them an air of mystery that prompts them to keep reading. And, keep reading they do. The “Twilight” saga has been at the top of every book chart for months and continues to rise, especially with the release of the fourth book, “Breaking Dawn.” It challenges the stereotypes of vampires and allows them to become something of desire.
“I think one of the most compelling things about the book is the idea that vampires can be good people,” said sophomore Carly Weaver. “No one would ever think that a villain could overcome evilness and want to be good, but it makes for amazing characters and story.”
So, while some might not find the passion in vampires that Meyer did, he’s captured the hearts of many and raises the bar for men everywhere. No more mediocre dates with flowers and chocolate, because what’s better than love that can never die and a man willing to suck blood for his lover?
Not only did Meyer take vampires to the next level by publishing these books, but with the November release of the movie, vampires are sure to never go out of style.
HBO has even jumped on this trend. With its new show, “True Blood,” it continues the love and fascination of vampires. “True Blood” focuses on the co-existence of vampires and humans in a small town in Louisiana. It seems the reason vampires are sticking around is because people are starting realize they are relatable.
“I see a lot of parallels in vampire nature and human nature,” said senior Kyle Hogan. “Some stories never die — they’re always going to be classic.”
Submitted 09-25-2008
