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Twilight: Transcendental Ideas

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Transcendental ideas, those relating to a spiritual or nonphysical realm, have been around since the 1800s and are still implemented into modern film to express the value that remains in them. The movie, Twilight, based on the book written by Stephenie Meyer, follows the journey two teenagers, Edward and Bella, embark on while pursuing a relationship with one another. Shortly after meeting, many confusing encounters allow Bella to eventually discover that Edward is a vampire, opening up millions of new issues for the couple to deal with, allowing them to explore their personal philosophies. Through dealing with these issues, transcendentalist values come to light, as well as how they affect a person. Twilight portrays Bella and Edward as exemplary …show more content…

Due to her parents divorce and her mother's impending marriage, Bella moves from Arizona to Washington with her father, where she is essentially forced to restart her life. This is a very challenging task, and one she was able of enduring alone, proving her self reliance. While Bella made a few quick acquaintances, she struggled with the absence of close relationships prior to meeting Edward. The vacancy left in her life can be attributed to her nonconformity, and her unapologetic nature. Even after connecting with Edward, Bella is reluctant to change the way she acts to please him. This can be seen, specifically, once Edward rescues her from a truck. While everyone else around her blatantly disregarded the occurrence, and some even tried to talk her out of thinking about it, she continues to research the possibilities until she comes to the conclusion Edward is a vampire prior to him revealing that fact. Her friend’s compliance with the ‘social norm’ to ignore anything seemingly different makes Bella’s choices to interrogate the scenario seem increasingly significant. Bella’s nonconformity and self reliance would be supported by many transcendentalist thinkers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau. Thoreau states, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away,” explaining the similar philosophy Bella portrayed. Along with this, Emerson claims, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment,” further relating Bella’s want to stay true to herself to transcendentalism. Her character embodies these two concepts, allowing her to portray similar values to

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