Edward Cullen

Introduction From a certain perspective, it can be stated that various characters within the Twilight series represent the social groups that exist within the high schools that teenage girls go to. This is one of the reasons why the Twilight series has become so popular given the manner in which the target readers (i.e. teenage girls) see so much of their own lives in the characters they read about.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Edward Cullen specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What is interesting though is how the vampires seemingly characterize the way people behave in society wherein they use fake outer personalities to blend in. The character of Edward Cullen in particular can be considered as a representation of the obsession of society with presenting a faà §ade of who they are in order to properly blend in with their social groups. Understanding the Representations of Characters in the Novel The main chara cters in Twilight are meant to represent high school stereotypes as seen in the way they look and act. Writers such as Fleur Diamond delve too deeply and add more dimensions than needed to what are basically one dimensional characters that are easily understood. In her work, Diamond states that Bella Swan quests for a sexuality that is not fully available to her within the dominant codes of both gender and heterosexuality in her culture. Meyer’s heroine is seeking a frank ownership of desire and sexual agency that is conventionally reserved for men and which, when present in women, is regarded with suspicion (Diamond 2). Such an interpretation, while interesting, adds more depth and dimension to a character that is simply unwarranted. The character of Bella and the perspective of â€Å"claiming a carnality and sexual subjectivity for its heroine† are simply at odds with one another when you look at the way in which the main characters are meant to represent high school â€Å"cliques† (Diamond 8). They embody stereotypical teenage definitions for various group categories that are the norm in most high schools in the U.S. (Diamond 1-8). Fleur Diamond is mistaken in interpreting Twilight as a form of â€Å"transgressive female desire† characterized by Bella Swan. The Twilight series is merely a means of representing the common â€Å"cliques† in a high school in a way that utilizes fantasy as a setting to show a girl’s growth into womanhood.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is one of the primary reasons why the series is so popular with teenage girls since they are able to relate to what the characters experience since they are going through it themselves. What Does Edward Cullen Represent? If the characters in the Twilight series represent various stereotypes that exist within a high school setting, then the c haracter of Edward Cullen can thus be considered as a representation of â€Å"the popular guy† stereotype. This individual is normally well off financially (Edward is quite rich), has good looks (same characteristic seen in Edward), has a charming yet mysterious personality (same characteristic shown within the books), yet has a loving and endearing quality (exactly the same set of personality traits exhibited by Edward Cullen). When examining the personality traits that an idealized guy would have that would appeal to a teenage girl (or any girl for that matter), it can be seen that Edward represents many of these apparent traits thus making him the much sought after â€Å"ideal guy† that teenage girls want in a boyfriend. Other similar representations that are not immediately apparent at the onset of the novel are the ways Edward also represents the concept of the â€Å"ideal man† in present day society. In particular, he is a highly educated, physically attra ctive, white male that has access to large amounts of personal wealth (Mutch 75-90). From a certain perspective, it can even be interpreted that Edward reinforces the present day stereotypes within society by his very nature. For example, in the book â€Å"New Moon† there is the possibility that Bella would choose Jacob over Edward, however, in the end she still chooses to go for Edward. This can be interpreted as a representation of women in society choosing mates who, through societal preconceptions, are considered to be the most perfect to go for (in this case white males) (Mutch 75-90).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Edward Cullen specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It should also be noted that the representation of main characters of â€Å"colored† descent (Native Americans in this case) show a certain level of racism. This is due to the manner in which they lived (i.e. in shacks in the wilderne ss), low economic means, the manner in which they dressed (lacking in style and class) and being generally â€Å"wild† and aggressive in terms of behavioral traits. This contrasts sharply with the relatively classy, suave and â€Å"cool† manner in which Edward Cullen and the other main vampire characters behave (Silver 121-130). This shows how character representations within the Twilight series follow the same boundaries, predilections and racist views that are common in the present day society. The concept of â€Å"identity† that is utilized within Twilight is neither complex nor hard to understand, it is merely a reflection of present day society told in a fantasy like setting (Wilson 126-130). Though it is stated in the novel that the vampires are far from human in their traits and characteristics, this is far from the truth given that the very nature of their characters are representations of how people are viewed and characterized within most social enviro nments. Context of the Character of Edward in Present day Society When going over the character of Edward Cullen, it can be noted that there is a certain duality to his representation. Initially, he represents the idealized version of a man that most women would like to have in their lives. On the other hand, he also has a much darker side to his personality that is represented by him being a vampire. Such a duality can actually be considered a representation of how people act within the society at the present wherein there is the â€Å"projected image† which is meant to appeal to social groups that one interacts with on a daily basis, while there is the â€Å"hidden image† which is who a person really is. This image is hidden from the view of society due to possible ramifications of revealing such a side to others. The following is one of the more interesting statements from the work of Herbert (2004) that echo such a viewpoint when he stated that:Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus the evil one is recognized by his refusal to self-reflect, or confront anything which he does not wish to confront about himself. Since the persona Dracula wants to present to the world is a facade and a lie, it does not reflect in the mirror of Truth. The vampire abhors the mirror, for the lack of reflection confronts him with the fact that his self-image has no reality (Herbert 63). Such a statement is actually quite close to how Edward Cullen and in fact, most males in society act wherein they at times refuse to confront who they are and instead focus on the creation of a faà §ade through the use of a surface image to fool the general public. What must be understood is that the concept of a persona can also refer to the way in which a person portrays themselves in public. As a matter of fact, it is considered a method in which a person presents an â€Å"image† to people that they are attempting to communicate and associate with on a daily basis (Herbert 62-70). This particular â€Å"image† refers to a person’s â€Å"character† that they are attempting to project. People treat them in a particular manner based on their inherent projected image. This is not limited to their physical appearance, rather, it extends also to the manner in which a person acts, speaks and generally portrays themselves in public. In the case of the Twilight novels, this takes the form of the vampires creating a particular image for themselves, namely, as individuals that may look beautiful, ethereal, otherworldly and mysterious but in the end still human at the core. It is this portrayal on the basis of a projected image that is a cause for concern. The way we react to people based on a projected image means that we are in effect reacting to something that, for all intents and purposes, is a false representation of who that person is in reality. For example, a person may argue for the righteousness of a cause on the basis of their knowledge of the e vent. Yet this attempt at persuasion may in itself be self-serving for the person that is attempting to persuade other individuals. In the case of a projected image, what must be understood is that it is â€Å"artifice†, meaning that is created, manufactured, made, constructed etc. It can be considered a type of surface image which may in fact have an entirely fictitious relationship to what is actually true. For instance, a teacher could show up in class one day wearing cowboy boots, a ten gallon hat and long sleeved t-shirt with a large image of a cactus on the front while the next day he can wear an average suit and tie. The reason this is mentioned is due to the fact that despite the different outfits, the person and the ideas that are being presented have not changed at all. However, what is changed is the perception of the audience regarding the idea being presented. The same can be said for image projection in the present day society wherein the method in which a perso n is â€Å"packaged† drastically changes the perception of the audience towards accepting the person or the validity of their statements. Thus, in the case of Edward Cullen, he represents how the idealized image that appeals to girls may in fact be hiding a personality that is completely different. Works Cited Diamond, Fleur. â€Å"Beauty and the Beautiful Beast.† Australian Feminist Studies 26.67 (2011): 41. MasterFILE Premier. Web. Herbert, Steven C. â€Å"Dracula As Metaphor For Human Evil.† Journal Of Religion Psychical Research 27.2 (2004): 62-71. Academic Search Premier. Web. Mutch, Deborah. â€Å"Coming Out Of The Coffin: The Vampire And Transnationalism In The Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse Series.† Critical Survey 23.2 (2011): 75–†90. Academic Search Premier. Web. Silver, Anna. â€Å"Twilight is not good for maidens: Gender, Sexuality, and the Family In Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series.† Studies In The Novel 42.1/2 (2 010): 121-138. Literary Reference Center. Web. This essay on Edward Cullen was written and submitted by user L1ndsey to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Profile of Christiane Amanpour

Profile of Christiane Amanpour Christiane Amanpour, CNN Chief Intl Correspondent for 20 Years: Christiane Amanpour, one of the worlds most honored broadcast journalists, was CNN Chief International Correspondent for 20 years. Shes also said to be the worlds highest-paid correspondent. On March 18, 2010, ABC News named Amanpour as moderator for its Sunday morning The Week interview program, starting on August 1, 2010. She left CNN after 27 years. An Amanpour report validates a storys importance. Shes often given insider access where other reporters are neither welcomed nor allowed. Shes an authority on Islam with extensive Middle East and worldwide connections. Recently Notable: Commented Amanpour on March 18, 2010, Im thrilled to be joining the incredible team at ABC News. Being asked to anchor This Week and the superb tradition started by David Brinkley, is a tremendous and rare honor and I look forward to discussing the great domestic and international issues of the day. Amanpour was in the Baghdad courtroom on October 19, 2005 when Saddam Hussein made his first trial appearance, and at Husseins initial hearing in 2004. Time magazine has called her the most influential foreign correspondent since Edward R. Murrow. Personal Data: Birth - January 12, 1958 in LondonEducation - From age 11, attended two Roman Catholic all-girls schools in Great Britain. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Rhode Island in 1983 with a BA in Journalism.Family - Married since 1998 to James (Jamie) Rubin, US State Department spokesman under President Clinton; one son, Darius, born in 2000. Growing Up Christiane Amanpour: Born to Iranian airline executive Mohammed Amanpour and his British wife, Patricia, her family moved to Tehran soon after her birth. Christiane led a privileged life in Iran, and then at British boarding schools. She studied journalism in London only because her sister backed out of attending and couldnt obtain a tuition refund. Her family fled Iran, and became refugees, in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution. Shortly thereafter, Amanpour moved to Rhode Island to attend college. Christiane Amanpours Early Career Years: While a student, Amanpour interned at the Rhode Island NBC affiliate WJAR. After graduation, she endured numerous network rejections because she lacked the right look. She eventually landed an assistants job on CNNs international desk in Atlanta. I arrived at CNN with a suitcase, with my bicycle and with about 100 dollars. She was transferred to Eastern Europe in 1986, during the fall of Communism. It was there that her reporting caught the attention of CNN brass. Christiane Amanpour as CNN Foreign Correspondent: Amanpour was elevated to CNN foreign correspondent in 1989, where she reported on democratic revolutions in Eastern Europe. She first attained widespread acclaim for her riveting coverage of the Persian Gulf War in 1990, followed by award-winning reporting of the conflicts in Bosnia and Rwanda. Based in London, shes reported from war zones in Iraq, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Rwanda and beyond. Shes also secured innumerable exclusive interviews with world leaders. Amanpour Exclusive Interviews, Partial List: 2003 British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac just prior to the War in Iraq2003 Mahmoud Abbas, first Palestinian Prime Minister2002 Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, in isolation in his Ramallah headquarters. (Arafat hung up on her after a shouting match.)2001 Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf during the war against Afghanistan1999 Mikhail Gorbachev on the 10th anniversary of Communisms fall1997 Mohammad Khatami, new President of Iran Awards and Accolades, Partial List: On June 17, 2007, Amanpour was named by Queen Elizabeth as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which is only one step shy of knighthood. Professional awards include:2000 Edward R. Murrow Award for Distinguished Achievement in Broadcast Journalism2002 Harvards Goldsmith Career Award for JournalismTwo Emmy news/documentary awardsTwo George Foster Peabody Awards for BroadcastingTwo George Polk Awards for JournalismCourage in Journalism Award, International Womens Media FoundationMajor role in two duPont awards and a Golden Cable Ace award given to CNN Interesting Personal Notes: While attending University of Rhode Island, she became friends and shared an off-campus house with Brown University student John F. Kennedy, Jr. They remained close friends until his 1999 death. Christiane Amanpour is described as modest, private and quite magnetic. Her reporting is unfailingly hard-hitting, accurate and insightful. Shes often pictured on-camera sans make-up and in an ever-present, unglamorous flak jacket. She was named 1997 Iranian Woman of the Year. Memorable Quotes: Remember the movie Field of Dreams when the voice said, Build it and they will come? Well somehow that dumb statement has always stuck in my mind, and I always say, If you tell a compelling story, they will watch. I think that as a country that is so powerful, so good in its values, so determined to spread values such as democracy, morality around the world...its absolutely vital...that the people of the United States get a look at whats going on outside. Its our role and its our job to be able to go to these places and bring back stories, just as a window on the world. I remember once doing a live shot from a so-called famine camp in Ethiopia-and actually in Somalia as well. I was showing a man and telling his story and explaining how ill he was, and it was a live camera. All of a sudden, I realized that he was dying. And I didnt know what to do, I didnt know how to break that moment, how to get the camera away, what to do that would not sully what was happening in real life. And then theres always the crying and the weeping that we hear.....children, women, even men. And these images and these sounds are always with me....-...a strange thing has happened, something I never expected. Sadly, (my) marriage and motherhood have coincided with the demise of journalism as I knew it and I dreamt that it would always be. I am no longer sure that when I go out there and do my job, itll even see the light of air, if the experience of my colleagues is anything to go by. More times than I care to remember, I have sympathized with too many of them assigned like myself, to some of the worlds royal bad places. They would go through hell to do their pieces, only to frequently find them killed back in New York, because of some fascinating new twist on killer Twinkies or Fergie getting fatter or something. I have always thought it morally unacceptable to kill stories...that people have risked their lives to get.