The song for this chapter is Realize by Colbie Caillat
[audio:https://twilightguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/realize2.mp3]
So here I am– the chapter that started it all. From the original dream Stephenie had of two people in a meadow all the way to being one of the biggest book series in the world: this chapter obviously holds some serious significance. The conversation and the chapter seem to be so short, but so much happens within its pages.
Suddenly, it all begins to fall into place: using few words, Edward is immediately someone new. He passingly refers to his classmates as ‘that class full of children’. While talking about the time he was rearranging his school schedule to avoid Bella, he speaks of the lady at the desk as a ‘frail human’. It is this unseen superiority over everyone else which seems to automatically set him above the others around him: the fact that he has lived for so many years and yet has been forced to act like a normal teenager. Far out in the meadow, Edward is removing the mask he has so painstakingly built, and letting Bella in on the secrets of his life.
Edward, still, continues to ask Bella more about herself. The questions which Edward constantly asks of her brings forth another point I have ascertained from conversations with Twilighters about why they like him so much. Part if it, I’ve observed, is the fact that Edward, though the epitome of a perfect guy, is still obsessed with everything Bella. He wants her to go far back into her family history, and what foods she eats, what her old home was like, what music she listens to. He literally wants to know everything about her.
On top of this fact, Bella really doesn’t understand why he pays her so much attention. She thinks of herself as a very ordinary girl. But despite this, Edward is fascinated by her. He values her so highly that it is hard to control himself around her. Edward finally tells what he has been thinking through these first 300 pages:
“I couldn’t live with myself if I ever hurt you. You don’t know how it’s tortured me…”
It’s as if to him, she’s a fragile jewel, and he loves her so much he is afraid of breaking her. He values her above anything else in the world- enough to fight off his natural vampire instincts which plague him every second he is near her.
For some reason, I’m guessing because of writing for this website, some people have come to believe that I am their on-call Relationship Doctor. Or the Mister Fixit for ‘How Can I Get My BoyFriend To Read Twilight And Grow Up A Little?’. I usually tell them basically the same thing:
Dear You, do this:
YOU: Boyfriend! Please read Twilight. It would make me happy.
BOYFRIEND (staring at video game screen): Whut?
YOU: Okay. Read Twilight or else.
BOYFRIEND (eyes not leaving screen): or else whut?
YOU: Or else I’m leaving you for a fictional character.
And then he comes here huffin and puffin, and I have another GJ to deal with. I don’t understand these certain guys who are so obsessed with video games or sports or whatever else, that they prioritize them above their own girlfriends. There are so many lessons to be learned from Chapter 13, and I am especially talking to the fellows reading in the shadows. What girl wouldn’t want to hear this:
“You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.” (EC)
Guys, I hate to break it to you, but there are many reasons girls love Edward Cullen. And one of them is he pretty much values her over himself.
I’m hoping that I’m not just insane and completely off on this, since I am, after all, a guy observing from the outside. I could really be far off the mark in what I am seeing. If I’m gravely mistaken, be sure to warn me in the comments. No point in me giving other guys bad advice 😀
After Edward, something I noticed suddenly is one of the reasons I am guessing that he likes Bella, besides the facts we already know so well. She plays right along. She isn’t terrified, or freaked out, or at least doesn’t show it. She just goes along with him and she is sincere in believing that he isn’t going to hurt her.
Edward, despite being so much older and more mature than the others around him, still doesn’t seem to know exactly how to love someone. He doesn’t know how humans love each other, or what he is supposed to do, as he has never experienced it before even in all his many years of life (unless I missed a paragraph…).
Despite this, he acts in a very human manner after talking with Bella in the meadow, and proceeds to run through the woods like a caveman warrior who just caught his first woman.
Ug.
Some guys are just that way when they fall for a girl for the first time. Haven’t changed much since the Stone Age. But he is obviously very happy to finally be able to trust Bella with the truth of what has been happening, and end the acting between them.
I paused in the middle of the chapter to grab something to drink, and the first line I saw when I came back was:
“He streaked through the dark”
I gasped and choked. Luckily, the sentence continued:
“…thick underbrush of the forest like a bullet”
Whew. If there’s anything I don’t want to imagine, it’s–ok anyhow, I must admit that through all the things I have read, after all the wonderful stuff people have told me, I still was hesitant to read Chapter 13. The reason for this is I didn’t expect it to live up to my expectations. I was dreading some smooth tell all from both of them and then Bella would go home up to her ears in love.
However, that wasn’t the case. This chapter was honestly probably the most pivotal I have read so far. The relationship between Bella and Edward really deepens in this one farther than I thought could happen in so few pages.
Like you promised me, it’s the one that hooks you in to reading the rest. So don’t be surprised if I just go into a frenzy and read the remaining parts of the book at once 😀
——NOTES——
– I’ve watched all of the auditions for Team Twilighter and there’s some great talent in there! Katie said the deadline for auditions has been moved to June 13th, so if you haven’t done it yet, get yours in! I’ll be watching them as they come in.
– I probably got a hundred suggestions for songs for Chapter 13. Does anyone think I picked the right/wrong one or anything? It’s honestly kinda hard to pick a song for The Famous Chapter 13.
– I saw the Breaking Dawn cover. I’ll probably talk about how I interpret its meaning in another post.
– Still can’t add people on Facebook (despite all the people who don’t heed these messages). Please try going to my myspace instead. Thanks!
-ADDED: Some people have started mentioning me in Youtube videos. If anybody catches a mention of me, zap me an email so I can check it out.
163 Responses
I love that song.
I think it is a good fit.
Hilarious entry!
Love the caveman, its a good look for you. *wink*
and I don’t think anyone would mind if you went ahead and posted chapter 14 ASAP!
-B-
Here’s my opinion on the Edward craze. He’s the perfect guy. 1) He’s cute. Most girls say that this doesn’t matter, and it doesn’t really when you get into a relationship, however, being amazingly hot only adds fuel to the fire. 2) He’s a protector. Most girls, whether they will admit it or not, like to be protected. Having that feeling that you’re safe and secure in someone’s arms, that’s amazing. 3) He’s like bait. Now that sounds a bit strange, but he knows how to play the game! He’s amazing, and yet he holds back…everything a girl could ever imagine in a girl dangling just out of arms reach. If there’s something a girl doesn’t like more than the perfect guy, it’s the perfect guy with a challenge involved. Just like Jame’s obsession with the hunt, the challenge in chasing the prey that makes it taste all the sweeter in the end, a chase for a guy makes the ending so much sweeter.
So there you have it….Edward, the amazing guy, playing a game he’s never played and doesn’t know he’s playing and “dazzling” a girl that he would dream about. I’m sure if I could think clearly, I could provide a better, more lengthy interpretation, but that’s my 2 cents for the day ;p
Hey Kaleb, I really like your view of the famous Chapter 13! You see this chapter (and the others) really purely, and worded it amazingly. Thanks for being “the twilight guy”!
So…about your Edward theory…unfortunately, it’s probably true about most girls. I am one of the few people who find almost everything Edward says to Bella to be almost sickening. Much, much too cheesy.
So, yeah, they talked like that back when Edward was alive. That was also back when women were not “equal” to men. It seems like some of that mindset has stuck with Edward this whole time – like women are property. His possessive behavior towards Bella is, frankly, a bit creepy.
But thats just me =)
I think you picked and excellent song for this chapter! Colbie Caillat is such a good singer, I also like her song Bubbly. There are so many good songs for chapter 13 like; Accidently In Love by Counting Crows, One Thing by Finger Eleven, and I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (they kind of fit). There are so many more songs too. This was your best blog so far! I totaly agree with you on everything! It was interesting to hear chapter 13 for a guy’s point of view. Congratulations for getting to chapter 13! Now you just have to finish the rest of the series. How can you possibly stop reading after every chapter! Keep on reading! 🙂
This is totaly ramdom, but my friend Jennifer told me to lend her the second Maximum Ride book by tomarrow or she would kill me and she said it about every 10 minutes. I wish she would be like that with Twilight, but she hasn’t read it yet.
Any tips on how to get a 10 year old friend to read Twilight? If so please add it to your comment. 🙂 Thank you. 🙂
Stevie was here
P.S. I’m 11 and Jennifer doesn’t usually read books like Twilight. She can be stuborn, in a good way. 🙂 I’m not the best at spelling.
You’re right on the mark with chapter 13! I’m glad you enjoyed the best chapter……and I liked the song you picked…
thank you kaleb for being so right.
Hey Kaleb!
I just wanted to let you know that I am really happy with the song you picked for chapter 13. it’s funny because when i was reading Twilight, bubbly (also by colby callait) was like number one and everyone was playing it repeatedly. so eventually it became one of my Twilight songs because now everytime i hear it i not only think of Twilight (like every second of my life) but i get that feeling i had when i was reading the book for the first time. it’s so great! I am so happy with your site. haven’t heard from you in a while. hope all is well!
much love,
.:Farah:.
one song that i think is perfect for this chapter is Star Crossed by Scary Kids Scaring kids. and you do have it right about why girls love edward so much. but i also think in reality, girls would like some one a little less protective.
Wow…that was beautiful!!!! I love your writing, you are hilarious and I cannot help but laughing at all of your twilight jokes and pictures.
Kaleb, I love your description and advice that you are giving to guys. Yes if a guy told me that I was the most important thing to him…wow! I have never been in love, but I bet I would just die if a guy told me that. I think the girl has to see him as the most important thing ever too Also!
Also guys like BJ or whatever…UGH he is so rude!!!! You know the guy that said he would sue you!!! UGH that is just like every guy these days! We need more guys like you and Edward =]
Well have a great day and keep writing I absolutely love it!!!
sincerely, Brianna
Hi. First off, I think you are right on in why girls such as myself like Edward so much! Even though I’ve read the book a few times already I really enjoy reading this blog because you really think about every event that takes place in it and notice things that I didn’t before. So, yeah, I love this website 🙂
Wow. You basically sums up what us girls love about EC. The song for me, is a bit.. iffy- yet choosing a song to fit that chapter.. IS REALLY DIFFICULT! To even to begin to define such a breathtaking chapter- it seems impossible. Yet it is really.. truly an amazing thing to see a guy that will give the book a chance. It’s not just the romance- it’s how Stephanie Meyer portrays all these different emotions and different scenarios!
Guys normally would laugh at the thought of even trying to read the book. Yet, most the guys I know are highly immature. It’s difficult to find men like you and Edward himself. See, that’s what you and Edward have in common, which you should be very grateful for. You both have knowledge far beyond your years. I really enjoy reading your blogs, and seeing the photoshopped pictures of you make me giggle. It’s really amazing how you’re opening this whole new world. Maybe you’ll get to a few people. Maybe guys won’t be so afraid of the series anymore. It’s really captivating- and I want the whole world to know about it. Stephanie would be happy to see how her book has even reached men. =D Thank you Kaleb, thank you so much!
Yeah, EDWARD says soo many beautiful things, but the point is, HE IS SINCERE, he really means everything he says and he dosen’t say this stuff just to “get his way”…I hate to sy this, but most guys truly have NO IDEA…
Kaleb, I am glad you enjoyed this chapter, they all get better and better…keep on keepin on…you won’t regret it
Its funny how you updated so soon and recently accepted my friend request on myspace btw thanks.
I really enjoy reading your intrepetation on this very important chapter. I really love how Edward is care free and liberated to be himself. Which gets fustrating when you have to play a role for people. This chapter was his time to act like a care free child. Which kind of scared Bella because she was use to seeing him so conservated
“and proceeds to run through the woods like a caveman warrior who just caught his first woman”
hahaha. that totally made my day.
exactly! thank you for not seeing this chapter as just a sappy love scene like many guys would! Expecially since this is only the beginning of the sappy love scenes…
it’s nice to read about the book from a different perspective, you noticed things that I never thought about when I read Twilight the first time.
love the site, btw! 🙂
I love your blog and I always loved the songs you chose to represent each chapter…until now. You had to chose a song from the most irritating and over-rated artist on the market currently. For shame. Still I look forward to your next entry.
Well… this chapter is TEH chapter you already said why and we all agree with you. BUT… you haven’t read New Moon or Eclipse so I can’t tell you much. All Jacob fans hate this book because is so cheesy. Edward is so cheesy (they say) so……… keep reading 🙂 I really wanna know what do you thing about Jacob. Why like 20% of the Twilight fans are Die-hard Jacob fans and hate Edward so much and why there are like 30-40% of the fans who love both.
BUT YEEEEY you alread read it!!! That’s great! *jumps around*
Now that you are gonna meet the rest of the Cullens… I would like to know what do you think about them. I’m a die-hard Carlisle fan sooooo…… let us know what do you think about all of them.
You are completely and utterly correct! it’s great that there is actually a guy out there that knows how we girls feel!
it’s great to read you thoughts cause i’ve always been curious about guys thoughts on twilight or anything in general.
KEEP ON READING! 😀
Dude, great advise for the guys =3 I hope they take it, really. If there are any guys out there who have quoted Edward to their other half, I want to hear it! =D Did he help you out?
Wow, it’s amazing to me how you understand this so much! Girls are often treated like crap by their boyfriends, and Edward truly values Bella, what she thinks, what she cares about, everything about her. Girls need to feel loved, at least I do, and when we put ourselves in Bella’s shoes, read the books like our own journal, we feel loved, and important. 😀 The only thing that Edward does that I don’t like is sometimes he is a little too over protective, for good reason of course, but for every other girl there is no reason for guys to be so protective. So, that is the only thing that guys should not follow Edward’s example in.
Haha, I loved the caveman picture! I was really laughing out loud too when you said the line “He streaked through the dark. . .” LOL! That was great and you were totally right about why we love Edward so much. Because he really truly cares about Bella and doesnt judge her for what she likes!
Kaleb, you hit the nail on the head. THIS is why we ladies love Edward Cullen. Yes, he is a vampire. Yes, his skin sparkles in sunlight. Yes, he’s described as incredibly smooth and sexy.
But, above all, he carries himself like a gentleman ought and treats a young woman like a precious, rare jewel.
Thank you, Kaleb, for being the Twilight Spokesguy for us. 😉
Hey Kaleb!
I’ve never commented on one of your posts before, but I’ve been reading pretty much all your posts and they’re all so awesome! I love how you put the theme music for the chapters and the pictures you make; it’s all entertaining and interesting to hear from a guy’s point of view! I was so excited to read your thoughts on this infamous chapter in Twilight! You were like, so spot on with your thoughts on why us girls love edward! You were so right that any girl would love to hear that they’re the most important person to someone. I can’t wait for your thoughts on the rest of the chapters in the book!
You’re awesome Kaleb!
Yes, this is a brilliant interpretation! What girl doesn’t want to be spoken to like that? “You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.” Many girls would follow that guy to the ends of the earth.
The thing about Edward…he MEANS it.
Great job, happy reading!
Wow. That was a great analogy of how Twilight isn’t just an unhealthy obsession. I would totally be more friendly with a guy who reads Twilight (let alone reads) as opposed to playing brain-melting video games.
I was probably most excited about the picture with your head and the book photoshopped in. I missed them 😀
This really is an interesting chapter and entry, though.
OMG!!! EVERYONE LISTEN!!! I DONT KNOW IF YOU GUYS HAVE HEARD OR NOT BUT…YOU NEED TO GO TO THIS WEBSITE…
http://www.portraitmagazine.net/
…AND TOTALLY VOTE FOR “TWILIGHT CAST” TWILIGHT IS NOT IN 1ST PLACE ANYMORE!!THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! WE CANNOT LET THOSE OTHER GUYS WIN!! IT IS YOUR RESPONSABILITY AS A TWILGHTER,TWI-HARD,FANPIRE OR WHATEVER YOU CALL YOURSELF TO VOTE FOR “TWILIGHT CAST”!!! PLEASE VOTE!!!…IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY(BEC. IT ONLY LETS YOU VOTE ONCE) IT ONLY TAKES LIKE 10 SECONDS!!!
PLEASE!!!!
Now that you understand how do you we get the rest of them too??
I love your site!! I check it everyday and I have started reading along with you. Of course I have finished but I have no problem starting them again 🙂
Did I mention I’m pretty much in love with you? Because I am.. 🙂
Wow u are amazing! That is exactly why gurls love edward and i wish there were more guys like you, life would be so much easier. How old are you anyway? Give me a range…lolz
rawr, bite me edward
YESS !!!
Famous chapter 13 !!! I actually reread it the other day, and I ended up sitting in the dark, lit by a lamp, sucked in as if it were my first time reading it.
Haha. And, you noticed some things I didn’t, so I was glad to read those discoveries and thoughts.
Great entry 😀 Read more soon !! It gets better
Okay, I totally agree with you on the reason girls are in love with Edward Cullen.
I did read one thing in your blog that I didnt agree with, (I mean I did some what agree but I saw it differently.) it was the part where you said…”She just goes along with him and she is sincere in believing that he isn’t going to hurt her.”
The way I understood it was, she knew that he could hurt her, and that her life could be over at any time. The thing is, she doesn’t care. She cant stand the thought of not having Edward in her life and if that means dying for it then that is what she is willing to do. She needs him as much as he needs her. She just hopes he doesn’t want to kill her, but it’s a chance she is willing to take.
-Lecia
Okay Kaleb,
First of all, I applaud you for having the guts to read Twilight. I can’t believe that guys shy away from reading the series merely because it’s told from Bella’s point of view. There’s so much action, danger, humor, and complexity; especially by the time you get to Eclipse.
Second of all, you got Chapter 13. I mean, you really got it. You didn’t just skim through it with preconceived prejudice, you didn’t dismiss it, you didn’t misinterpret its vital connection with the rest of the book; you got it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone summarize the heart of Twilight better. And coming from a red-blooded male! You represent the first of the male readers, and presumably, after the movie, others will follow your lead. Thanks for not being afraid to check out the book, despite it’s inaccurate labeling (YA; Romance Novel). We all know that a good book is a good book no matter what! You rock.
This is just awesome what you do. I’ve been on here before, but I’ve seen everyone talk about this newer post you have and I have to say…you are like a godsend to girls who are trying to get ANY guy to read this. I am going to show others this website and you should start summer sessions for guys and you’d be the new Love Guru! haha!
Seriously, great job on here, I’m glad you are enjoying the books and seeing their potential as more than just a sappy Romeo and Juliet.
Me again. I just got done reading your notes section, and i thought that the song was kinda cliche. Not that i dont like the song its just really hard to choose and that just wouldnt have been one of my options lol. I really do love this sight. :]
HEy Kaleb!! Just wanted to let u know that I’m luvin what u r doin! and to tell u the truth u actually get ch 13! Its pretty impressive i must say! lol Anywho…I also wanted to say that u picked an awesome song to go along with this chapter couln’t of been better! lol Oh and before i forget know that since I luv ur site soooo much that I decided to promote u on my site which i think uve figure out already what it is lol so yeah just know the site has ur back and so do I! Keep it up kaleb ! Everyone luvs it!
CIAO!
Wow… if you actually read all of your comments, you just might get to mine.
I agree with everyone else that Edward’s ability to put Bella above himself (and everything else!) is part of what makes him so attractive… but I’d like to make one important addition: that trait wouldn’t mean much if Edward didn’t also FOLLOW THROUGH on his commitment.
Edward wanted to be with Bella forever, and he was willing to let her know that. But from a girl to a guy, if you go around telling whoever is your latest arm candy “You are the most important thing to me now… the most important thing to me ever” and don’t follow through with that commitment, you’re going to break a lot of hearts. For a lot of guys, those would be shallow words designed to get a girl’s heart pounding; for Edward, it’s the voice of his soul.
It didn’t take Edward long to decide who his #1 was going to be, and when he knew it, he committed to her in his heart and then showed her with his words and actions. Now THAT’s a real man!
Kaleb,
I have to tell you I was very impressed with your assessment of the chapter. Not only did you understand our love of Edward you appreciate it. There is something in that moment when he sits back in front of her after freaking out that is more vulnerable than any other. How he realizes that he can be around her, working to control his lust is worth every piece of torture and she is more than he has ever thought could exist. It impresses me that he is the ‘oddball’ the creature that has walked the earth & seen so much thinking he had seen everything, then he finds Bella. He finds love. There is nothing like the guy who despises relationships, thinks they are silly, trivial, not worth putting their heart out on a limb and he finds the one. Not just a girl but his soulmate. That kind of connection that cannot be ignored, that encompasses your dreams, and makes your heart (yes in many ways Edward definitely has a heart)soar when he is around her. To see Edward realizing this and accepting it is beautiful. They both love each other for who they see, no question. They ar both perfectly flawed and it makes the relationship that much more believable.
How can you comment on the meaning of the 4th cover when you haven’t read the two other books? They’re pivotal to understanding where they are at.
I think that you hit the summary of this chapter spot on. I really liked how you stated that we see a “new” Edward in this chapter. I never thought of it that way, but we really do. I love this chapter because of the honesty they show each other. All the walls are down and they really put all there feelings out there, especially Edward. I thought this was such a turning point in the novel. It leaves you wanting to race to the end!
wow, Kaleb! You’ve got it down to a science! This is probably the exact reason I love Edward sooooo much! I’m going to print out your analysis(sp) and hand it out to every boy I know!
You are right on, and I’m glad you’re taking it seriously and really enjoying the books!
and of course, good job making me laugh with the “he streaked through the dark…” hahahahaha
That is an extremely accurate reason for why I love Edward. Now when people ask I don’t have to be like: He’s EDWARD, what’s not to like? (because I’m overwhelmed by his greatness, and can’t think of one reason) and actually have an answer!!!
I really like the way you interpret this kind of stuff. Yeah…I hate men who prioritize game over their girlfriends. Other than that I’m quite speechless.
anyway PLS DITCH that look on your face…along that outfit and smile
And thank you Kaleb ^^
Yay! You finally read chapter thirteen. We told you that you wouldn’t be disappointed. You’re right about the many reasons why we love EC so much^^
you totally get it……seriously right on the money. *sigh*
realize by colbie caillat is perfect. that whole cd is amazing! love her. good choice :o)
can’t wait to hear your interpretation of the cover!
I’m really glad to know that you’re reading Twilight! I need to re-read it (again) because you’re going so… in depth to Confessions (I hope my dog, Fetch, will stop licking my leg) that I don’t remember some of this. But, all of my books have been loaned out =[ But that’s okay! “He streaked through the dark” That made me giggle. Keep reading, Kaleb!
The second cover could in fact symoblize the paper cut or the jump. You who have read New Moon know of what I speak. Trying to be vague so as not to spoil on the recently initiated. By the way, we don’t know what Edward is thinking, with the exception of what has been revealed in the Midnight Sun chapter. It is a hope and a beliefe that Edward is as chaste in his thoughts as he is in his actions. Although, knowing what we know of him, I would not be surprised if we ladies underestimate the difficulty he has in being so as being a mirror image of his difficulty in not devouring her.