Here’s Why Edward Cullen of Twilight Is Still a Teen Heart Throb in 2021
2/17/2021
After enduring over a decade of ruthless mockery, the Twilight Saga craze has come back from the dead with a bloodlust and teenage girls with a nostalgic sweet tooth are eating it up just as voraciously as they did during the franchise’s golden age.
The main love interest in the book series written by Stephenie Meyer, Edward Cullen, has a lot more to offer as a teen heart throb than just Robert Pattinson’s dashing looks in the movie adaptations. In August 2020, Meyer published a reimagined version of the first book in her Saga written from Edward’s perspective. What pop culture connoisseurs have dubbed the “Twilight Renaissance” is now in full force. Here are the real reasons why Edward’s character is central to the resurgence of Meyer’s bloodthirsty fanbase of diehard romantics.
He’s a True Romantic
Edward Cullen knows how to sweep a girl off of her feet — literally. The catalyst for his chemistry with Bella was the fact that her mind was the only one Edward couldn’t read. He initially became enamored with Bella because of her element of mystery. Similarly, Bella was intrigued by Edward’s ability to instantaneously save her from a car crash. Mind-reading vampires and near death experiences aren’t the keys to romance — mystery is. Their romance developed organically because Edward treated Bella with respect. Edward slow-danced with Bella to Claire de Lune. He took her out to dinner. He opened doors for her. Edward’s chivalrous gestures showed that he was a true gentleman.
He Wants a Traditional Marriage
Having lived to 104, Edward proved himself wise beyond his years for sticking to old fashioned values in his relationship with Bella. To avoid hurting her or taking advantage of her eagerness, he insisted on saving sexual intimacy for their marriage: “It’s just one rule I want to leave unbroken…I know that’s not a modern notion…I’m from a different era. Things were a lot less complicated.” Edward followed up his explanation by proposing to Bella on one knee — marriage is sexy.
He’s Protective, Not Jealous
Edward competed with Jacob Black for Bella’s affections without getting his own ego involved. In Eclipse, Jacob kissed Bella against her will, leading to her breaking her hand while punching him in the face. When Edward found out what happened through Jacob’s thoughts, he immediately showed concern for the fact that Jacob forced himself onto Bella. When Jacob argued Bella was “not sure” what she wanted, Edward said this in response: “Let me give you a clue: wait for her to say the words.” Edward outclassed his rival by showing that he cared more about Bella’s safety than the possibility that she would choose Jacob over him. He had a healthy desire to protect Bella rather than trying to control or possess her. That demonstration of security is super attractive.
Whether you side with Team Edward or Team Jacob, there is no denying that the love story of Edward and Bella has stood the test of time — and maybe even eternity. In an age where women often lament the demise of chivalry and romance, it’s clear why the Twilight love story is so appealing. It reminds young women of their desire for men who charm, cherish, and truly respect them till death do them part. Cheers to many more years of Twilight fangirling.
