RESPONSE to Marica's post: "Twilight Characters Manifesting the Saviour Mode"

         Marica, I’m glad you brought up Twilight in this post. Even though I am not a diehard fan of the series, I still find some representations in the stories to be interesting. I agree with you on your claim that there is presence of the saviour modes; however, when referencing Twilight, I think it is crucial that the element of the supernatural is addressed.

You claimed that Edward Cullen has Christ-like qualities because he is represented through the saviour mode,

But what about the fact that he is a vampire? 

This is an ironic contradiction. Vampires and Christian qualities are not stereotypically seen to be together. Even though Edward is seen as a "good vampire" because he rescues Bella through violent conditions, he still is tempted by his vampire instincts to hurt her. There is an example of this when Edward kisses Bella for the first time, and tests out his limits:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGO8RG3onWg

He eventually has to back off because he feels his vampire desires overcome him. He is battling between good (his control of himself and consideration of Bella’s safety) and evil (his vampire temptations). This reminded me of the story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. Bella is Edward’s forbidden fruit; she is a temptation that brings out his evil vampire instincts. It is hard for Edward to kiss Bella because of this. He is afraid that the evil within him will hurt her.

On the cover of the first book, there is a pair of hands holding an apple, which can be seen as the forbidden fruit. Twilight expresses the fact that it is still possible to find Christian elements within a story that has supernatural characters.

I also find that Edward, as a christ-like figure, is sexualized through the desire that he has for Bella. He is not just a friend that is there so save her in hard situations, he wants to be her lover too. He is tempted by her to take the risk in loving an immortal human being. This dangerous, courageous, strong and handsome character is desired by Twilight fans, who want a boy just like Edward to call their own.

Vampire? Christ-like? or the next teen heart throb? I think that Edward Cullen is all in one.