Description
Book Synopsis The 13 essays in this volume explore Stephenie Meyer''s wildly popular Twilight series in the contexts of literature, religion, fairy tales, film, and the gothic. Several examine Meyer''s emphasis on abstinence, considering how, why, and if the author''s Mormon faith has influenced the series'' worldview. Others look at fan involvement in the Twilight world, focusing on how the series'' avid following has led to an economic transformation in Forks, Washington, the real town where the fictional series is set. Other topics include Meyer''s use of Quileute shape-shifting legends, Twilight''s literary heritage and its frequent references to classic works of literature, and the series'' controversial depictions of femininity.
Trade ReviewAcademics...discuss how author Stephenie Meyer uses various traditions in new ways, refers to earlier works of literature, and promotes abstinence. How the novels relate to the Gothic and Quilete traditions and Mormonism and whether the main character is a role model for girls are also examined. Other essays address whether Meyer follows vampire lore and tradition, the impact of fan activity on the setting's town of Forks, Washington, and fan fiction." —
Reference & Research Book News“A fascinating book...informative and elegant...thought-provoking" —Margaret W. Ferguson, editor,
The Norton Anthology of PoetryTable of Contents
- Preface and Acknowledgments
- Introduction: Approaching Twilight
- Luminous and Liminal: Why Edward Shines
- Narrative Layering and "High-culture" Romance
- Carlisle's Cross: Locating the Post-Secular Gothic
- Eco-Gothics for the Twenty-First Century
- Noble Werewolves or Native Shape-Shifters?
- Abstinence, American-Style
- Is Twilight Mormon?
- Bella and the Choice Made in Eden
- Bella and Boundaries, Crossed and Redeployed
- Sleeping Beauty and the Idealized Undead: Avoiding Adolescence
- Why We Like Our Vampires Sexy
- Forks, Washington: From Farms to Forests to Fans
- The Pleasures of Adapting: Reading, Viewing, Logging On
- About the Contributors
- Bibliography
- Index
