Will There Be Life After the Twilight Saga? by Larson Hill
Will there be life after the final book in the Twilight Saga is written? How about the life after the final Twilight movie hits the big screen? Of course there will be life after Twilight. Since the Twilight sequel New Moon is the most talked about movie on the internet and the Twilight Saga has become the most popular and anticipated franchise (both books and movies), a more appropriate question is - "What will life look or be like after the Twilight Saga?"
When I say "life," I'm referring to social dynamics and the collective attitude affected and driven by a new generation raised and read on the Twilight Saga. What impact will Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn have on a huge sector of the population - the fans - who will eventually become influential decision makers in society? Will people have a new outlook on relationships, love, sex, strength, power, and the age-old struggle between good and evil? In ten years time, 2019, how will the young up and coming power executive be different than the 2009 professional based on their strong, relatable connection to the current Twilight Saga? Will simple day-to-day domestic attitudes toward relationships be impacted by the many layers of Twilight?
Before I get too deep on this, people are individuals who make up their own minds and form their own beliefs, morals and values. The Twilight Saga is fiction, plain and simple. They're books and movies with thought provoking entertainment value. However, given how popular Twilight and New Moon have become, with at least one more movie on the way (there’s no doubt Breaking Dawn will be made) and possibly future novels, it's hard to fathom there wouldn't be some form of future impact on the fan base that will permeate throughout society in the coming years. Can you make a connection between the themes of reflective individuality of Harry Potter and the rise of the "emo" generation from 2000 forward? I don't have the answer. But there have been cultural ripple effects from Harry Potter on the generation pre-Twilight.
Those not interested in the Stephenie Meyer based Twilight series of books and movies may roll their eyes with cynicism, and I get it. Although you could look at these questions and laugh, all one needs to do is visit any one of the thousands of online Twilight discussions to see how deep the books and movies run with Twilight fans. And in many forums around the web, Twilight fans aren't simply talking about the love life of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Instead there's deep philosophical debate and intellectual discussion taking place on the levels of Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, René Descartes, which also tap into religion, spirituality, and a variety of stimulating and challenging topics. Go and search, you’ll find it. And while older Twilight fans are sparking such intellectual debate, younger Twilight fans are exposed to the same discussions, with many participating.
So what could the post-Twilight future look like from a sociological perspective on a few issues?
Girl Power: New Strength and Self-Awareness
That heading may sound like a cliché, but it's easy to see why so many young girls and women relate to Twilight and New Moon, namely Bella (Kristen Stewart) and her journey in the first and second Twilight outings. Although women burned their bras back in the 1960s and have been fighting for equality in a battle of the sexes on many levels ever since, there still exists a ying-yang perception of dependency that women in love can't live without their man. Although the simple fact in life is that men and women do need each other on many levels, Bella does discover that she doesn't need to be emotionally dependent on Edward (Robert Pattinson) for her survival. Although Edward is an affluent, physical force, Bella learns that she also possesses the emotional strength to live life without him from Twilight to New Moon.
Granted this is nothing new, but it's a strong message for young girls and women in terms of advancing strength in a male dominated future. Given the popularity of Twilight and New Moon among a huge sector of the female population, it raises the question of just how "male dominated" the not-too-distant future will be with a new generation of the opposite sex that not only knows they can live life independent of men, but how to live it emotionally powerful.
Judging by the heat of passion inside Bella, even Edward has been taken aback by her inner strength. Interestingly, and a strong undercurrent, Bella is not prey in its most simplistic form, as many men have viewed women throughout the ages. However, without woman there is no man, so the future impact of Twilight may hold a better understanding and respect between the sexes instead of one over the other. As in life, there are checks and balances with love, passion, instinct, and desire. How we act on them and what the consequences are is something different that may lead to a new understanding of strength and self-awareness.
Good and Evil: A New Understanding of Opposing Forces?
Simply put into context of the legions of fans devoted to the Twilight Saga and how popular it is, after reading through the four Twilight Saga books, and looking ahead to eventually watching four Twilight movies, why wouldn't someone have a certain perception of the relationship between the forces of good and evil within the Twilight universe? Given the past decade of conflict and heightened tensions of the real world battle, is it possible that the young Twilight generation will have a better understanding of the future balance between good and evil?
What I find so interesting about the good and evil debate within the Twilight Saga are the interconnected aspects of the two opposing forces and how positive and negative effects are directly related to an organic balance between the two. For instance, the Cullens need the Volturi, and vise versa; otherwise there would be an imbalance of one over the other - only Volturi or only the Cullen family. Yet Bella is a dynamic factor between the two that brings a balance, which has a direct affect on her own journey, which was aided by Edward in relation to her understanding of opposing forces (if that makes any sense).
So can life after Twilight lead to a better understanding that opposing forces (good and evil, male and female, sex and abstinence) need to co-exist in our future society, and oftentimes need each other for the survival of each side? I mean, with such a tension filled political world, any new understanding of opposing forces, namely good and evil, can't hurt. At the same time there are those very dynamics within relationships, too. There's no doubt that the Twilight generation will have a certain understanding of opposing forces heading into the future. Whether it can lead to positive improvements not made by previous generations remains to be seen, including in relationships, overcoming opposing forces of inner turmoil, and the conflict of the real world
However ...
Interestingly, Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, has publicly stated that throughout her popular series there were themes of "questioning authority" (a movement of the past decade), abuse of power (prevalent in the past ten years), and the choice between what is right and what is easy by an apathetic population, which can lead people into trouble if they allow authority to make their decisions (happening as we speak). Although I'm making an idealistic point as to the potential cultural impact of Twilight from a hopeful "good and evil" standpoint, you could make the argument that the Harry Potter generation has indeed questioned authority, has noticed various abuses of power, yet still remains apathetic and uninterested since so many believe exactly what the mass media feeds them, right or wrong. In that respect, the message went right over the heads of HP fans.
A Clash of Generations
In today's fast-paced, technologically savvy online business world, there's a growing trend toward a lack of transparency and accountability within the corporate landscape than in years past. In many cases the online consumer or user is at the mercy of the "monopoly" mentality like never before. In a post-Twilight world, the Twilight generation may be growing up in a society where questionable business practices are even more a way of life while the Twilight generation doesn't know any better. In this respect, will future young adult Twilighters be the ones to finally see a lack of light in a corporate world ripe with real life Volutri?
Will Twilight readers grow up to embody Edward, Bella and Jacob on the side of right in a world dominated by greed and corruption from a Volturi army not too far removed from their own generation, with corporate heads akin to Aro, Ciaus, and Marcus? Like the good and evil debate, people will have a choice, just like Bella makes the most significant choice of her life to become something new. However, when talking about destiny, some people are Volturi, others are like Edward, and some are similar to Bella whether they know it yet or not. It's simply a pre-destiny that has to be followed. Hopefully future triangular formations of the corporate ancients will be broken apart.
Romance, Restraint, Lust, Love and Life
Contrary to what some Twilight fans may believe, the Twilight Saga is cut from the similar classic block as Romeo & Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride & Prejudice. In terms of language and literary prowess, is the Twilight Saga on the level of Shakespeare, Emily Bronte, or Jane Austen? No. But that may be a good indicator as to why Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn have become so popular, its accessibility. Does the Twilight Saga tap into the similar elements and themes of love and relationships? Absolutely. However, Twilight goes to certain territory that we haven't visited in other novels, or at least we think we haven’t, in how those themes are presented ... and you don't have to be Emily Bronte or Jane Austen to present them in that way either.
Obviously the Twilight dynamics of romance, restraint, lust, and love (among others) have been presented effectively. As for a growing outlook on real life issues, the Twilight layers may have a ripple effect to a better understanding of a cause and effect relationship in a positive manner for “the individual,” which the Twilight Saga has succeeded in doing to date. If certain romantic and lustful layers within the Twilight Saga encourage individual value and self-worth, those feelings are infectious and contagious.
If layers of Twilight, New Moon, and the Twilight Saga at large prevent an inexperienced young girl from being romantically fooled into having sex, or rushing into sex or a relationship, without thinking about larger life-altering repercussions of being hurt, a possible inability to cope with life, and falling prey to a self-induced perception of being man-dependent, the consequences of growing up with a Twilight mentality aren't so bad for some Twilight and New Moon fans.
edward is hot and every girl should know that by the way he talks, laughs,and even the way he moves. i love the books that she has writen it makes me happy to go home after a long day at school and at work to read and wach the movie over and over again.
merima
September 02, 2009 - 08:46
Subject:
I realy hope that Midnight sun gets published... the books are amazing and i just cant get enough!!!
i dotn think she will do it....you never know!!!!
she might change her mind and i hope its soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to merima
Juanita Martin – waynesburg pa
October 07, 2009 - 12:01
Subject: The twilight saga
I hope she has more books published cause they were the best books i ever read. Makes me wanna have a my own vampire. Ha Ha!
Shaniah
August 31, 2009 - 21:48
Subject: Twilight
If stephanie Meyer reads this i just want her to know that twilight has changed my life. My point of view , every aspect of life. Also that Midnight sun PLEASE PUBLISH IT! i think it is kind of selfish to do that to us twilight fans that have supported you all throught twilight saga. Please understand that i still luv u but we all want Midnight sun to come out!
Ryan – Virgina
August 19, 2009 - 11:02
Subject: this stuff
Ill say it now I have read the books b/c my grilfriend asked me to so i thought no harm but I ended up likeing them and I do inspirer to be Edward only in personality the niceness and romance my grilfriend loves me more than ever now b/c they have doubled
Paul – Alabama
July 16, 2009 - 12:18
Subject: Twilight is not all Great
I've been married for 20 years...almost 21. I haven't had any meaningful interaction, conversation, or real intimacy with my wife since she got into this.. Did I mention she was 48? It's all she lives, loves, and breathes....24/7. Nothing else. I've tried to talk to her, tried to understand, and tried to make sense of it. I can't. I just can't. Not to this extent. It's like she has become a different person, and I have no idea who she is. It's unfortunate that this krap means more to her (and has become her life) than her family. I never would have thought this could really happen.... but.... sadly, it has. Sad. And, nothing else I can do. Nothing I can say. I just go my way, and she goes hers. It's been this way for 6 months.
Reply to Paul
Ana
December 28, 2009 - 07:38
Subject: Re: Twilight is not all Great
Sorry to hear that. Had you tried to read the books to see what this fictional world is more appealing to her than her real life? That might help to reach to her. Don't look at it as the enemy use them.
Jasmine
June 20, 2009 - 10:12
Subject:
PLEASE Stephenie twilight is like an addiction please continue the saga and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants more twilight
Reply to Jasmine
kaleigh – california
January 11, 2010 - 18:41
Subject:
i think stepine should make more books too! lets make a petition
Jasmine
June 20, 2009 - 10:07
Subject:
I'm only thirteen and I HATE reading but i started reading twilight and i couldn't take my eyes off the page! and i amazed MYSELF how fast i could read! read twilight in a day and a half, new moon in about two days, eclipse in two days, and breaking dawn in three days!
I can't wait 'till the movies come out!
TJ – Louisiana
June 15, 2009 - 03:44
Subject: Can we have swome more please?
I am totally smitten with Stephenie Meyer's books. I read New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking dawn in three days. I was sad to learn that she had another in the works Midnight Sun from Edward's POV and someone leaked it on the internet and now she won't finish it. Can we blame her?
Since Host has been published, another great book I might add, maybe she will secretly start writing it again. We can only hope. I look forward to the day when Stephenie starts writing about our beloved Bella and Edward again. By the way I am a 40 female and totally smitten with Edwards character. These books will definitely influence generations to come in a good way. My niece got me interested in them, so I guess I can say I am a Twilight Aunt. Looking forward to New Moon.
melissa
May 20, 2009 - 09:00
Subject: i love Edward/robert
i love him im not kidding i would everything 2 be wid him because hes the guy the guy that every girl likes but never as much as me because every time i see a poster of him i cant move because he is so hot and caring so the girls out there dont have enough love to give him but i do
I LOVE YOU EDWARD/ROBERT
sarita – USA
May 03, 2009 - 21:20
Subject: So Relieved!
Gosh, I am 39 and was getting worried about my sanity having a crush on Edward, LOL! Now I see lots of other people do too. This series is addictive indeed. I would see all these "Twilight" references everywhere and I said "So what's the big deal??" Then I saw the movie and read two of the four books. I actually read "New Moon" in a day and a half! I haven't spent that many hours glued to a book in years! I just got Eclipse and I am trying (really hard) to read it slower. I can't wait for the movie to come out and I sure hope they take it all the way to Breaking Dawn. I read the Midnight Sun excerpt on Stephenie's website and I was salivating for more. I sure hope Stephenie will continue writing the stories from Edward's perspective. It's a shame that someone leaked the story ahead of schedule, but I sure hope she can get through that and give the fans what they crave.
Reply to sarita
JenniMiki – NC
May 15, 2009 - 11:05
Subject: Re: So Relieved!
LOL Funny how these things can take over our lives, eh sarita?
I think the 4th book is the best of all, except for one part (which I won't spoil for you). Enjoy!
Carolina – North Carolina
May 03, 2009 - 21:10
Subject: "More mature fan"
I am 55 and according to my kids "obsessed" with Twilight for I read the books over and over and watch the movie all the time. I can't get enough of them and am looking forward to New Moon and hopefully the finished version of Midnight Sun. I love the whole family, the whole concept, the love! Oh to be protected and loved by a family like that one.
Will there be life after the final book in the Twilight Saga is written? How about the life after the final Twilight movie hits the big screen? Of course there will be life after Twilight. Since the Twilight sequel New Moon is the most talked about movie on the internet and the Twilight Saga has become the most popular and anticipated franchise (both books and movies), a more appropriate question is - "What will life look or be like after the Twilight Saga?"
That heading may sound like a cliché, but it's easy to see why so many young girls and women relate to Twilight and New Moon, namely Bella (Kristen Stewart) and her journey in the first and second Twilight outings. Although women burned their bras back in the 1960s and have been fighting for equality in a battle of the sexes on many levels ever since, there still exists a ying-yang perception of dependency that women in love can't live without their man. Although the simple fact in life is that men and women do need each other on many levels, Bella does discover that she doesn't need to be emotionally dependent on Edward (Robert Pattinson) for her survival. Although Edward is an affluent, physical force, Bella learns that she also possesses the emotional strength to live life without him from Twilight to New Moon.
Simply put into context of the legions of fans devoted to the Twilight Saga and how popular it is, after reading through the four Twilight Saga books, and looking ahead to eventually watching four Twilight movies, why wouldn't someone have a certain perception of the relationship between the forces of good and evil within the Twilight universe? Given the past decade of conflict and heightened tensions of the real world battle, is it possible that the young Twilight generation will have a better understanding of the future balance between good and evil?
In today's fast-paced, technologically savvy online business world, there's a growing trend toward a lack of transparency and accountability within the corporate landscape than in years past. In many cases the online consumer or user is at the mercy of the "monopoly" mentality like never before. In a post-Twilight world, the Twilight generation may be growing up in a society where questionable business practices are even more a way of life while the Twilight generation doesn't know any better. In this respect, will future young adult Twilighters be the ones to finally see a lack of light in a corporate world ripe with real life Volutri?
Contrary to what some Twilight fans may believe, the Twilight Saga is cut from the similar classic block as Romeo & Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride & Prejudice. In terms of language and literary prowess, is the Twilight Saga on the level of Shakespeare, Emily Bronte, or Jane Austen? No. But that may be a good indicator as to why Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn have become so popular, its accessibility. Does the Twilight Saga tap into the similar elements and themes of love and relationships? Absolutely. However, Twilight goes to certain territory that we haven't visited in other novels, or at least we think we haven’t, in how those themes are presented ... and you don't have to be Emily Bronte or Jane Austen to present them in that way either.