The Twilight Mystique: Critical Essays on the Novels and Films (Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy, 25) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786449985 ISBN 13: 9780786449989

Publisher: McFarland, 2010

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Amy M. Clarke is a continuing lecturer in the University Writing Program at the University of California, Davis. She teaches courses in science fiction and fantasy, including seminars on both the Harry Potter and Twilight series, and has recently published a study of Ursula Le Guin. Marijane Osborn is professor emeritus of English at the University of California, Davis. She has written or been a major contributor to several books on Beowulf and has published three books on Middle English topics. Donald E. Palumbo is a professor of English at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He lives in Greenville. C.W. Sullivan III is in the English department at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

From School Library Journal:

A variety of writers examine Stephenie Meyer's series in an attempt to explain just what makes these books so hotly debated by fans and critics alike. The well-reasoned and -researched selections cover the literary sources that inspired Meyer, from classic fairy tales, Shakespeare, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, and Emily Brontė to Anne Rice. Many of the 13 essays explain how Meyer's practice of Mormonism and its theology manifests itself in her books and influences her characters' actions, although the author is quoted as saying that she didn't write them to promote or convert readers to her religion. Other selectionss explore how Meyer incorporates the history of Gothic fiction, Quileute shape-shifters and vampire lore, and the real Forks, WA, into her novels. Not surprisingly, several of the most critical essays offer differing opinions on whether Belle is a passive or active heroine and a positive role model for girls. After reading these essays, all of which include source notes, skeptical librarians may find themselves looking at the books in a new light. This volume will be useful for librarians, teachers, and fans with an interest in the novels or as a resource for university-level course work.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton
(c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About this edition

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0786449985
• ISBN 13: 9780786449989
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 247
• Editor: Clarke Amy M., Osborn Marijane