Hello, everyone! This is Elizabeth, again. At this time of year, the world seems predisposed with a focus on the wicked, the scary, and the bizarre. This translates for most cotemporaries as wizards, werewolves, and vampires, or perhaps Harry Potter and Edward Cullen. These are the main male characters of the Harry Potter series and the Twilight saga, respectfully—a word that I use lightly as according to Webster’s online dictionary, saga is first defined as “a prose narrative recorded in Iceland in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or legendary figures and events of the heroic age of Norway and Iceland.” That aside, I am curious as to why are we so obsessed with these characters. Everyone has an opinion, good or bad, on these figures. One mention of Edward Cullen’s name is sure to create a chorus of groans or sighs, and I cannot venture a guess as to how many arguments I have encountered concerning the evil nature of Harry Potter. These are fictitious characters, heroes of an invisible world, but fans are addicted to them!
Well like everyone else, I have an opinion of these leading men. Edward Cullen, the mysterious vampire of the Twilight saga—once again, take this word lightly— scares me! He thinks of Bella as a drug, watches her as she sleeps, and wants to kill her. In my book, this translates as a dangerous man who needs some psychiatric help. I guess one could say that it is romantic that the stalker ends up getting the girl in the end and turns out to be only an overly protective figure. As an independent woman, I cannot say that I find this over-protectiveness particularly romantic, but at least, it reassures me that Edward is only a passionate vampire, not a demented one.
Then there is Harry Potter, who despite my love for his world, is not the most lovable character. He is generally lazy and always survives by utilizing the skills of his friends. Yet despite these frustrating qualities, Harry also survives because he is brave and loyal. He loves, not because it is an addiction, but because it is an emotion; he even notes throughout the books that it would easier not to care, not to do the right thing. He also wants to resolve a war, not create one—like Edward might because of his love affair with a human. Harry cares about more than just one person; his concerns lie in the world, in the greater good. He, in my opinion, is a true hero….Maybe I like him more because he does not want to kill his girlfriend.
I know that there are plenty of fans who disagree. That is what makes these characters so interesting to discuss and in part, what makes them phenomena. Now that I have shared my opinions, I would love to hear yours.
Tags: books, bookstore, Bookworm, Carbondale, Edward Cullen, Elizabeth Hileman, Harry Potter, Herrin, Marion, Southern Illinois, Twilight
