When the books really started to become popular, the hype the fans made led me to believe it was like the hype for the Jonas Brothers. A whole lot of hype over something silly. So I had to check it out and see if all the fans were crazy or there was actually some good books I should read. The writing style is simple so they are really easy to read which at first also made me wonder how good they could really be. But it doesn't take much reading to become engrossed in the story. I ended up loving the series and am one of the crazy fans now. Here's an essay that talks about the target audience of the Twilight Series as the essay's author sees it.
Why Twilight has Become so Popular
The Twilight saga written by Stephanie Meyer has become more than a young adult book series. The four books quickly gained immense popularity, causing what some are labeling the Twilight phenomenon. To those who haven't read the books, the amount of enthusiasm they have received may seem quite silly. Fans had created such a buzz about it online, that I was annoyed before I even knew what Twilight was. I thought “ either this is some silly craze, like the Jonas Brothers, or Twilight is really good.” I wanted to find out for myself. That is what prompted me to buy the first book. I am now a 20-something woman, shamelessly obsessed with Twilight.
The Twilight saga is the story of Bella, a teenage girl, and Edward, an eternally seventeen year old vampire, who are in love. The writing style and depth of these novels are consistently simple. Even so, the fantasy of the story itself is quick to capture and hold the readers attention. The first book in the series, Twilight, begins by presenting the reader with a mystery: what is Edward? Over a short period of time, Bella observes strange traits that Edward displays. Each discovered trait becomes a clue and the reader is in suspense for Edward's identity as a vampire to be reveled. Once that mystery is solved, suspense is sustained by the danger that Edward's identity presents, particularly for Bella. By beginning her series in this way, Stephanie Meyer grabs her audience's attention with the mystery. To hold their attention She then uses the suspense of danger. Not long after learning that Edward is a vampire, the love story begins. At this time, readers are excited about the characters and eager to read more. With likeness to a fairy tale, this love themed story leaves female readers fantasizing about it.
It is not uncommon for teenage girls to date people whom their parents do not approve of. For obvious reasons, Bella's parents would not approve of her romance with Edward. In the vampire world, it is also not acceptable for a human to date a vampire. Edward puts himself, and his entire family at risk by his relationship with Bella. Disapproval from both sides is just one way their love is forbidden. The fact that Bella is in danger merely by being near Edward, is the greatest contributor to Twilight being a story of forbidden love. People's intrigue with forbidden love contributed to making Romeo and Juliet one of the most well-known love stories of all time, although times have changed, peoples intrigue with forbidden love remains. The unlikely romance between Bella and Edward makes the saga more attractive than if it were between two ordinary people.
Vampires are not typically associated with romance. Despite that, Twilight pairs the two flawlessly. On average, people with a more sentimental outlook, would not choose to read a novel about vampires. Comparatively, a romance novel's usual audience does not include the male gender, or those with interests that are less emotional. By weaving the two themes together, Meyer's series attracted a diverse audience. Without such widespread appeal, the series popularity would be much more limited.
Point of view plays a big role in how the Twilight saga became the Twilight phenomenon. The point of view that an author chooses to write from, effects the way that their audience will respond. If Twilight would have been written from the third person point of view, the readers never would have become such obsessive fans. The first and second books, as well as most of the third book, Eclipse, are all written in first person, from the viewpoint of Bella. Because it is written from the viewpoint of Bella, female readers are able to feel as if they are Bella. Using the first person point of view, the author was able to captivate the emotions of the readers. This pulled the readers into the story and made the entire thing feel personal to them. By feeling Bella's emotions of pain and of love, readers find it near impossible not to be swept right up into the fantasy. I was so enthralled by the story, it had practically become a part of me. Whichever book in the series I was currently reading, was always with me. I compulsively download photos, and even went to the DVD release party.
The point of view changes near the end of the third book, Eclipse. The story is then told from the perspective of Jacob, who then becomes another main character in the series. Jacob is a good friend of Bella's and he happens to be a werewolf, the enemy of vampires. Jacob's point of view allows more action and conflict to be introduced into the story. The author was able to use Jacob to keep the story exiting and the readers on edge. It also enabled readers to become more emotionally connected with Jacob's character.
I read the final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, as slow as I could stand to. I did not want to leave the fantasy world of Twilight. Luckily, even though I have finished the book, I haven't had to yet. The first two books in the series have been made into movies. Twilight, the movie was highly anticipated by fans of the books. Once it released in theaters, it also became a hit with people who had not yet read the books. The movie has even been translated into several different languages. By being adapted into a movie, Twilight has gained an even broader fan base. The movie has also prompted fans who haven't read the books, to buy, and read them.
The overwhelming fan base and their loyalty, encouraged retailers everywhere to sell Twilight related merchandise. Nearly everything marketable has a version that is geared toward Twilight. Twilight paraphernalia can be found anywhere, from Wal-mart to Bath and Body Works. Mattel has even released Bella and Edward Barbie Dolls. So even if the books and maybe even the movie managed to escape being noticed by some, the merchandise is likely to expose them to the Twilight phenomenon. It may even draw more unsuspecting people in, to become addicted to Twilight.
I have to admit, the entire obsession with Twilight does seem rather silly. I am amazed that it had the power to draw me in as it has. Many people, including my boyfriend, who have not read the series, may have been wandering how a simple book series can become a phenomenon. As I have explained, there are many contributing factors to this phenomenon.
Comments
ok thanks
by Anonymous on February 18th, 2009