What's so special about Twilight?

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Permalink Reply by katarinasmama on January 9, 2009 at 9:22am

I have to admit I've never watched LOTR. So I can't compare. I do love fantasy in general and why I've stayed away from LOTR is truly inexplicable. I'll put in on my Netflix queue.

I love Narnia. So you'd think?? Lewis and Tolkein were friends, after all. But, I've never gotten into it. Looking forward to viewing this thread.

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Permalink Reply by Ashley on January 9, 2009 at 11:47am

I think that Twilight and LOTR are very different. Twilight is very much a love story, and the structure of the story follows that of the romance genre more than fantasy. LOTR follows the journey of the hero structure. I think another big difference is that, like JK Rowling, Tolkien created a world that is separate from our own, whereas Twilight takes place in our world. I think that another big difference is that of Edward v. the "fellowship" or Aragorn. The characters are very, very different. I'd need a little while, though, to fully articulate this position. It's just now forming in my mind. But in a nutshell, Edward is concerned w/ being normal and protecting Bella; Aragorn/Frodo/the rest are on a journey to save their world. And then there's the fact that we're told Twilight from Bella's perspective, as opposed to the male-centric story of LOTR. Probably more of an answer than you want -- and a hastily thought-out one, at that.

As far as cultural phenomenon, Twilight is similar to HP and LOTR with a rabid and loyal fanbase. I think there's a lot of cross-over appeal between fanbases -- me included. As far as cultural impact, I bet that they will be very similar, although I don't know that Twilight's will be as long-lasting as LOTR.

And katarinasmama -- You need to read LOTR! I devoured all three books in a week, I bet. And the movies are spectacular -- amazing adaptations of the books. Julie is a fan, too. I bet she'll chime in.

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Permalink Reply by Debra Pearlman on January 10, 2009 at 10:50am

I guess that I was thinking that LOTR, Twilight and HP have all inspired such loyal followings. When I was in HS and College LOTR was must read reading and I loved the entire trilogy. Also adored HP and the films. And yes, LOTR is very much the hero's journey, it is also a love story...love of a friend and being loyal no matter what the odds. Doesn't Twilight have that same loyalty and trust in it? You can't really love without trust, at least that something I try to teach and live by. If you love the fantasy genera you really must read LOTR.

Also another amazing trilogy that I recommended to a teen lover of fantasy is the Chronicles of Tornor by Elizabeth Lynn. Be forewarned...they first book has 2 women lovers, the second has 2 men, and the 3rd is hetero...so if you are dealing with a gay teen, these may be a good read for them.

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Permalink Reply by Dani C. on February 20, 2009 at 7:56pm

I also never read or watched LOTR. So I really can't compare the two.

I think Twilight feeds a need that girls and women have in the search for love and the perfect man.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya (the Stampvamp) on February 20, 2009 at 9:26pm

I'm also a LOTR, HP & Twilight lover. Ashley, even if you think your answer was hastily thought out (and I totally understand why you would! *wink* --she used to teach English, peeps! College level!!), I think it was right on target. I wouldn't really compare LOTR with Twilight...but everyone is listing some really interesting points.

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Permalink Reply by Tonya (the Stampvamp) on February 20, 2009 at 9:28pm

Oh wait! Just thought of something...in light of recent news about Chris Weitz not directing Eclipse...I'd say definitely NO that Twilight is NOT the new LOTR but at this rate it may be the new HP....

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Permalink Reply by NİL OZCANSEN on June 9, 2009 at 1:50am

ı don' think so :)

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