One of, if not my favourite novels is the Twilight Saga. I know many people have developed a hatred for Twilight but I definitely suggest reading it. I absolutely love the saga but had developed somewhat of a hatred (until New Moon) for the films for they are an injustice to the novels. Anyways, when I think of a Christ figure in film, or someone who is the closest to a Christ figure, I think of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.
As discussed in lecture, there are two modes of Christic representation, and they are the Saviour mode and the Redeemer mode. I find both of these characters as manifesting the Saviour mode for reasons which will be further discussed. Edward Cullen can most obviously represent a Christ figure and manifests the Saviour mode for he takes extreme caution to protect Bella Swan from everything possible. He constantly rescues her from dangers and liberates her from her tedious and uneventful life. He is a wonderful example of a Christ figure for he is a saviour for Bella.
Moreover, Bella Swan represents a Christ figure and displays the Saviour mode. She liberates Edward Cullen from himself and shows him a life that he never knew could ever exist; he likewise does the same for her. Edward Cullen and Bella Swan both exhibit the Saviour and Redeemer mode, but the Saviour mode is definitely more identifiable.
Marica, I’m glad you brought up Twilight in this post. Even though I am not a diehard fan of the series, I still find some representations in the stories to be interesting. I agree with you on your claim that there is presence of the saviour modes; however, when referencing Twilight, I think it is crucial that the element of the supernatural is addressed.
ReplyDeleteYou claimed that Edward Cullen has Christ-like qualities because he is represented through the saviour mode,
But what about the fact that he is a vampire?
This is an ironic contradiction. Vampires and Christian qualities are not stereotypically seen to be together. Even though Edward is seen as a "good vampire" because he rescues Bella through violent conditions, he still is tempted by his vampire instincts to hurt her. There is an example of this when Edward kisses Bella for the first time, and tests out his limits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGO8RG3onWg
He eventually has to back off because he feels his vampire desires overcome him. He is battling between good (his control of himself and consideration of Bella’s safety) and evil (his vampire temptations). This reminded me of the story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. Bella is Edward’s forbidden fruit; she is a temptation that brings out his evil vampire instincts. It is hard for Edward to kiss Bella because of this. He is afraid that the evil within him will hurt her.
On the cover of the first book, there is a pair of hands holding an apple, which can be seen as the forbidden fruit. Twilight expresses the fact that it is still possible to find Christian elements within a story that has supernatural characters.
I also find that Edward, as a christ-like figure, is sexualized through the desire that he has for Bella. He is not just a friend that is there so save her in hard situations, he wants to be her lover too. He is tempted by her to take the risk in loving an immortal human being. This dangerous, courageous, strong and handsome character is desired by Twilight fans, who want a boy just like Edward to call their own.
Vampire? Christ-like? or the next teen heart throb? I think that Edward Cullen is all in one.