The song for this chapter is Season of Love by Shiny Toy Guns
[audio:https://twilightguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/season-of-love.mp3]
I was sitting in the school cafe earlier today, minding my own business and getting some writing done, when I overheard a conversation at the table next to me that went something like this:
Guy 1: Jonas Brothers fangirls are the creepiest girls ever. What is with them?
Guy 2: No man, the Jonas Brothers fangirls are nothing compared to TWILIGHTERS.
-all guys murmur in unified agreement-
Guy 3: Yeah, they’re all way crazy over Edward Cullen.
-guys go silent-
Guy 2: Who’s Edward Cullen?
Guy 3, stammering: Oh, I, uh, I, uh, I read the first few pages. My sister had it. Uh. Uh.
Niccceeee. You don’t even see Edward’s name until page 20. Yet another closet TwilightGuy I’m guessing 😀
Anyhows, I managed to make it home in one piece in this chilling weather, and lo and behold Eclipse was here waiting for my return. Where I left off, Bella was with Jacob, watching the preparations for the war against the young vampires.
Oh Edward Cullen, what a poet. At the moment, I’m studying poetry as part of my English studies, so when I read lines like this:
“Listen to your heart fly,” he murmured. “It’s fluttering like a hummingbird’s wings. […]”
I’m immediately reminded of poetry. There’s a musical quality to the way that Edward speaks. I’m sure everyone who’s read the books noticed this: he never just says:
“Oh look,” he huffed, “your heart’s beating. Whoop-de-doo.”
He’s got a special way of talking, which is easily reminiscent of the literature from the times when he was born. Again, this is something that sets Edward apart: he’s not trying to be like every other, normal guy. He’s trying to be different, to really show Bella that she means the world to him.
As usual, I chuckled at a very awkward-to-be-chuckling-at line:
“But that will always be what I want most, won’t it?” I challenged. “Blood, blood, and more blood!”
It’s striking to me, just how much the marriage means to Edward; as if anything big will change between them, since he is obviously dedicated to her, and she can’t bear the thought of leaving him. But there’s a depth to it, a commitment that Edward is seeking to make, in a very human way that one would think doesn’t apply to vampires. But I’m curious as to Edward’s reason. He can’t be simply doing this and so adamant about an actual marriage just because he is from the early 1900’s: it’s been so long since then, and qualms about societal norms would have vanished into his memory. After all, back in those days, anything resembling vampires was probably considered demonic anyway.
I get the feeling, though, that Edward has many reasons for wanting this: for even though it is obvious that he loves Bella, and his love will not change after they are married, he wants an actual, human connection between them: something normal, that binds them together by actual vows. He sees being a vampire as being ‘tainted’, and I feel that he sees his eternity with Bella as so important, he does not want their commitment to be built upon this tainted foundation, but rather upon a human marriage: one with a soul. After all, Edward and Bella are talking about forever in far more sense of the word than other humans being wed: theirs is a real and literal forever.
I noticed a sudden slew of emails the past few days, most of them telling me oh-how-much they wanted to hear my opinions on Chapter 20. This, as usual, was followed by a bunch of HA-HA-HA-ha-ha’s, which caused me a considerable amount of uncomfortable suspense for what I was going to find. Rest assured, I reacted in exactly the way my readers expected:
Ahem. Anyhow, we were back at the vampires and werewolves fighting something in some sort of a bloody battle. Yes, that’s the part I was reading.
I greatly enjoyed reading the comments on the last chapter post: people have so many different opinions on Jacob. But I feel I should clear it up somewhat and say that I don’t absolutely detest Jacob to his very core. It’s just sometimes, I find it annoying how he’s trying to get between Edward and Bella. I, for one, am a somewhat selfish guy. It would be very hard for me to deal with my girlfriend having a Jacob, and I might not even be able to deal with it at all. I would see it as Bella not being loyal to me, and hanging on to an alternative resort in case things ‘don’t work out’. But if there is such a large probability of things ‘not working out’ that she’s keeping this guy hanging on, then that would make me think that what we have isn’t as strong as I thought. I respect Edward even more, because he can actually bring himself to at least seem comfortable with Bella around Jacob so often.
I realize that the vast majority of my readers are girls, and I don’t know how to put this in a way that everyone will understand; since human emotions and feelings cross such a vast landscape, it is impossible to pin any one person down and say that they are the model for all guys. But I know that I would never be able to handle being Edward, if my girlfriend kept Jacob — even the bracelet from him would be enough for me to feel hurt. Similarly, I would never, ever be able to be a Jacob: this guy who keeps hanging around, pining away at somebody else’s girl, when she really truly wants to be with Edward. I don’t see myself, or any guy who has a decent sense of respect, being happy like that.
But the reason I don’t hate Jacob, through all this, is because he is, or at least seems to be, genuinely well-intentioned. It’s back to the abusive boyfriend situation I used as an example a few posts back: if Jacob seriously thinks that Bella staying with Edward is dangerous to her, then he has good reason to try and get her away. In fact, it’s best for him to do it. But the fact we all know is that Edward is unlike the rest of his kind, and wouldn’t let anything cause him to hurt Bella: as evidenced even more so by the bedroom episode that unfolded in this chapter 😀
Question for the comments: I’m curious to know, due to the bunch of emails I’ve gotten, who you think should play Aro in the New Moon film.
——NOTES——
– There have been additions to the FAQ page.
– The song is from the new Shiny Toy Guns album
– Followers of my Twitter will recall a conversation about ninjas earlier. The Twilight conversation I wrote about in this post came immediately afterwards from the same group 😀
275 Responses
“‘Bella,’ he murmured, his voice warm and velvet. ‘Will you please stop trying to take you clothes off?’
‘Did you want to do that part?’ I asked, confused.”
LOVE that… it’s so funny. (Also, I did that from memory, since my copy of Eclipse is at my dads, so if I screwed it up, cut me some slack)
Anyway, I hadn’t really thought about who they would cast for Aro… Johnny Depp would be nice, but I pictures him as a really old man, even though he’s a vampire. That’s just me though…
CRAP!!! I messed it up… its “your” not “you”. I wasn’t actually TRYING to make gangsta Edward, it just turned out like that…
I say Tom Cruise. Anybody who has seen ‘Interview with the Vampire’ will know why
LMAO at Maggie. Gangta Edward!! I’ve got my copy right here. With the exception of “Would you please…” and “Do you want…” you’ve got it on the money. I’m impressed that you could quote so closely from memory!
omg i think robert redford should play aro. he has that kind of voice that i pictured aro having and all he would have to do is dye his hair and act like a sadistic vampire
Yea I agree with your reaction haha, I did the awkward turtle for quite some time before continuing to read.
Surprisingly, I hadn’t thought about who I wanted to be cast as the Volturi at all until I read this! And, without looking at the comments, I immediately thought of Johnny Depp as being the perfect Aro – and I’m glad to see that others agree! Although, if that doesn’t happen I can definitely see Alan Rickman playing him as well… or maybe he’d be a better Caius? I can’t really tell. Caius seems a bit more openly evil to me.
I think it’s funny that so many people are now translating your post as you being Team Edward! I am, of course, undeniably Team Edward; but I didn’t get the vibe from your post that you are fully on board with us… yet 😀 And I totally agree with you – Jacob is annoying, immature, pushy… well, you get the picture. 😉
Anyway, I can’t wait for you to move onto Breaking Dawn! This is my favorite book but a lot was thrown into BD so I’m excited to see how you’ll interpret it all!
I also wanted to add – Go Brad (#126)! I fully agree 🙂
For Aro I always imagined Johnny Depp but thats…just not going to happen:(.I just hope Summit picks really good actors to be in NM.But I have to say they did an awesome job for twilight I mean they got rpattz,cam,jackson,taylor,kellan and peter.The list can seriously go on.XD
Umm. I’m all with the others who can’t wait for you to read chapter 22, which is my favorite chapter in the saga.
Aro… I know he’s a vampire and was probably changed young, but with skin that looks like flaking onion it would seem a young actor would not do, neither do you want one too old, since that would look too human. I guess I don’t know. Johnny Depp would do fantastic, but I have a thing for unknowns and less knowns. Seeing someone on screen that you haven’s seen in a ton of movies adds a sense of reality I think; which sounds bizaar when you are thinking of a vampire movie. All the same, that’s my preference.
my Aro is Johnny Depp!
he can do the crazy, cheerful, angry thing-as evident in Secret Window. (:
okay so this might sound weird, but even though he’s already Carlisle, I think that Peter Facinelli would make a PERFECT Aro. What’s your opinion, Kaleb? You should answer your own questions (and I don’t mean the way insane people do, ha-ha)!
I think that Anthony Hopkins would be a great Aro. I’m a big fan of him and I think he’s absolutely brilliant.
you know, im not sure who would play aro….but that last one about anthony hopkins would be pretty awesome. in my head aro reminds me of someone, with his hair and grace…but i cant be sure of who.
btw…hahahaha to that guy 3 who swears he hasnt been reading it. WHAT-EVER!!! lol.
omg and yeah, i love that part where he compares her heart to the wings of a humming bird. pay attention to that line Kaleb! hint hint
and yeah man…whenever i read that, i feel embarrassed and awkward ” ‘Can you please stop trying to take your clothes off bella?'”hahaha
gahhhh i started reading your posts on each chapter 2 days ago and finished them today…. and now dont know what to do with myself, cant wait for the next ones =]
haha that had to be one of the best lines in the book : “can you please stop trying to take your clothes off bella?” hhaha classic =]
You know…I never really had anyone in mind for the role of Aro…however, I pictured him to be like middle aged…but I am more than happy if Ben Barnes gets the role. I have wanted Ben in the movie since before Twilight was cast…however, I pictured him as Demetri, but so long as he is in the movie I am cool with whoever he is. 🙂
Hm. I’m liking the Ben Barnes suggestion for Aro. I’d also be okay with Kerr Smith or Timothy Olyphant. Or maybe the three of them could play all the Volturi lol. I think they kind of have a similar look to them. And I think it would be absolutely awesome if Dakota Fanning were Jane. She’s so completely sweet looking that it would be manacing and freaky to see Jane’s wrath.
Thanks Michelle (124)!I’ve read all the books about 5 million times, so a few lines have just stuck with me I suppose lol… also, I know this is slightly random (well, actually, its REALLY random) but Gangsta-Edward really would be funny, dontcha think? 🙂
well, I’m sure for all the people who have already read all of the books… you’ll find out why Jacob is sticking around in Breaking Dawn and that’s one of the reasons why most of my friends hate Jacob ‘to the core’. you could say….But i just can’t hate Jacob. haha
Chapter 20 is my favorite chapter. Priceless 😀
I say Johnny Depp for Aro, but I doubt that he would be casted.
I don’t have a pick for Aro, but I heard Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian) wants the role, and I think he would be great.
GOSH KALEB!(<–jk) I know this chapter is awkward for a guy, but you could have mentioned the ring/proposal or something…there’s almost nothing about the actual chapter here…
I think that the one guy named —– Grey (one from the X men and lord of the rings) should play aro. I don’t know why I just imagine him doing it.
ed westwick would be a great “evil” vampire…..he could play aro or marcus or caius
i’ve also heard rumors about ben barnes playing aro and i have no objections about it
i also think the twilight guy, kaleb nation, should have a cameo or a minor role as a vampire in the volturi’s guard
I love the closet twilight-guy!!! Ohmigosh, I laughed so hard!! For Aro, I would pick somebody who was tall, skinny and kinda old, maybe fifty-ish. I love your “awkward” pic, moving eyebrows are the best! Great post, Kaleb!
Awkward… is right. I had my guy firends read that book and I told them they might want to skip that chapter in Eclipse. Of course they didn’t…. it was a little awkward in the group for a day or two there….. Not nearly as much as with breakingdawn though. *AHEM*
Anyhoo…. I am looking forward to seeing how much you like JAcob after chapter 23. I liked him a lot untill he kissed Bella earlier on. Then I was mad at him but I got over it. And then that chapter happened…. Well I can’t hate him anymore…
I have no idea who I think should play Aro, maybe we’ll get lucky again. A lot of actors in the last movie, like Alice and Carlisle, I had no ideaif they were right or not. Then I saw the movie and it was like “they’re perfect!” but I’m not really good at guessing….. so yeah.
you Rock my Socks!
WOO!! Yay to 163 and 164!! I’ve got some people jumping on my Anthony Hopkins boat! Wouldn’t it just be so awesome to see him being all fatherly to Dakota Fanning? I think it would be amazing!
Maggie (168), yeah, Gangsta Edward would really be funny! He would have to start driving the Vanquish, though. I can’t imagine Gangta Ed in a Volvo! Hahaha!
Hi, yeah i don’t know if anyone will even read this, but i just wnated to say that Sarah W. had a good point when she posted after her first post. and i really don’t know how to prove my point anymore… but i do have one more weak sentimnet. bella is mature beyond her years. jacob may have been judged as older in new moon because he is extremeley talented, but Bella’s mother said she was born thirty five. if my mom said that to me i’d either think i was really mature or i was really old looking! so i guess that’s pretty weak defense but hey i’m just saying that their are a lot of girls who are using Jacob’s age as an excuse for his actions and well i decided to give them a taste of their own medicine.
wow someone mentioned Cillian Murphy as Aro… i like that he can do the creepy vibe well.
However I disagree,strongly, that it should be an older actor. I’m pretty sure the characters are meant to be youngish to mid aged pysically.
What I would love to see is a middle aged actor who can convey age or a kind of weary-ness(with their body and voice etc)
This i think would give an accurate depth to the charcters (vampires who are psyically young(ish) but have lived for centuries and aquired ‘old’ characteristics)
I like Ben Barnes, but I personally think he’s a bit too young for the part of Aro.
I watched “The Fisher King” with Jeff Bridges in it a couple days ago, and I think he might be a pretty good Aro. If you want a more recent movie, he’s Obediah in “Iron Man.” I think he could pull off eccentric with a bit of flourish, yet have a malicious undertone.
What do you think?
Not Ben Barnes! he’s to cute for the part of Aro. Aro was unatractive for a vampire! And Ben Barnes is good looking!
I don’t know…
someone is be handsome and good actor. it’s enough for me.
But A question about Edward is a feeling how us grandfa and grandma
is so normal for his.
Aro= Donald Sutherland or Anthony Hopkins, give them darker hair and smooth their wrinkles. Either would be creepy and very debonair!
David Bowie for Aro!!!
Cate Blanchett for Aro???
My boyfriend is taking a break in between New Moon and Eclipse right now to read The Watchmen (which I bought for him for no good reason other than the fact that he said he wanted to read it.) but he read the first chapter of Eclipse. When he read the epilouge for New Moon, all he had to say about Jacob was… “He’s an ass…” which really upset me. I love Jacob. There are a lot of things about my boyfriend that reminds me of Jacob…mainly the extreme confidence they both seem to have a lot of. *rolls eyes*
I don’t see Jacob as a bad person or anything. He’s just trying to do what he thinks is best, he just does the wrong things. It isn’t his fault that he loves Bella. You can’t help who you love. He can try to tear Bella and Edward apart, but he knows- even if its in the back of his mind- that there’s a huge possibility that he won’t succeed…
Sorry, I just feel I should stand up for Jacob since he doesn’t have that many followers. *pouts for jacob*
I loved the bedroom scene in this chapter…hehe. Sorry you had to deal with that, Kaleb. But its kind of funny. Bella tries so hard to get what she wants out of Edward…you have to give her a little credit for trying. Sadly, Edward is just to strong and he can easily stop her. lol
I really don’t know who should play Aro. I guess I’ll just have to deal with whoever it is… I think Ben Barnes is too cute for the part, but he has a great voice that I could hear for Aro. But I’m not sure if he can play the wise and creepy part of Aro.
Great post, Kaleb… Although I wish you’d see the good things about Jacob, not just the annoying things… 🙁
well first of all, i just wanted to say how much i love how deep you can get into the meaning of things, yet your a guy. i think that is just so wonderful. i also wanted to say that i reallly dont get the concept of Jacob loving bella if he knows that werewolves get imprinted on people and he knows that bella is not the one the imprints him ( if he even knows that.) i’m very sorry if im wrong i just finished New Moon yet i know a lot about the twilight saga. please clear this up for me if you can. Thanks!
oh yes, and kaleb are you only on eclipse? im a new viewer to this sight so sorry i am so blind to all these details and such.
first of all,
i love the guys “conversation”
it cracked me up so hard …my mom asked what i was doing ( suppose to be doing my hmwk)
i dont really care who plays aro.. i mean i think any guy would be fine..
i’m still anxiously waiting for them to confirm that dakota fanning IS jane!
(187-188) Danielle, I’m clearly not Kaleb but I’ll answer your questions.
Yes, Kaleb is on the book Eclipse. He posts as he reads.
In the books, Quileute legend states that imprinting is rare. Jacob knows there’s a chance that he’ll never imprint on anyone. Like in New Moon, Sam and Leah were high school sweethearts, then Sam met Leah’s cousin, Emily. When Sam imprinted on Emily, it changed his love for Leah. It’s clear to Jacob that he won’t imprint on Bella because it would have already happened. You’ll learn more as you read.
Hope this helps!
Thank you very much for clearing that up for me michelle! 😀
oh yes, and i do know who jacob imprints on.
;D
i have a question. does anyone else think that eclipse is kind of like the book in the shadows of all the others? Like twilight is the start of everything so its going to be the biggest one, then in new moon edward leaves bella, and in breaking dawn they get married and other stuff that i shall not ruin. what happens in eclipse that is significant?
Eclipse is the love triangle. It is the testing of Edward’s and Bella’s love against others who would break them apart….
To me it’s perhaps my favorite of the books 😀
For some reason I always imagined Aro a bit like Stanley Tucci…only with a less oblong face (more round) and very pale. I also imagined him with fairly effeminate mannerisms. So if Tucci could be sinister enough, I would like him. I never imagined Marcus, Caius, or Aro as young. Needless to say, I don’t really pay much attention to descriptions in books. Heck, I imagined Alice with long, thick hair!
I never really put a face to a name with the Volturi. But I would love to see Terence Stamp as Caius.
oh ok! thank you for telling me that rachel 😀 i can’t wait to start eclipse! i just bought it, like, 20 minutes ago. so it sounds like it will be good now. Bye bye fellow twilighters!(oh yes, and im wearing a twilight shirt as i post this) hee hee 😉
Oh yea! my opinion on the actors for the volturi is, that, they should be a bit older. I did not imagine them being very young, especially since one has snow white hair.
I’ve seen a few Johnny Depp’s for Aro, but I just don’t see it. But i Love Johnny nontheless.
I do know who would be Aro. maybe Luke Goss. He would be good =]
I throughly enjoy reading your opinions on the twilight books. I only became a twilighter a few months ago and know no guys who read(except for my 16 year old nephew). I don’t have an opinion on who should play aro or the volturi, except that i heard that dakota fanning was supposed to play jane and although she is a well known actress I do believe that she will do a good job. and unlike most people who seem to need to choose jacob or edward, I choose both. I quite enjoy every single character in the book. I look forward to reading your future posts.