How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)
Quote #1
Ugh. I did know his condition. Edward promised that he would change me himself whenever I wanted… just as long as I married him first. (4.92)
Given that Bella is all about getting her fairy tale of "true love happily ever after," why isn't she excited about a fairytale wedding?
Quote #2
[Bella:] "I'm not that girl, Edward. The one who gets married right out of high school like some small-town hick who got knocked up by her boyfriend… That's not who I am." (12.116)
Although Bella lives in small-town Forks, she doesn't consider herself a small-town girl. Is her description of small-town girls accurate? What kind of girl does Bella think she is?
Quote #3
[Edward to Bella:] "I would have wanted you for eternity, even when the word didn't have quite the same connotations." (12.130)
For Edward, marriage is undoubtedly an eternal commitment. Do you think marriage should be for eternity or for as long as two people are happy in married life?
Quote #4
Matrimony. I made it sound like a dirty word. (20.67)
Bella can't stand the word "matrimony." Why? Because it sounds so official or traditional? Because it signifies an unbreakable, eternal bond? Does that mean she's just not ready for marriage?
Quote #5
[Edward to Bella:] "Do you get the feeling that everything is backward?... Traditionally, shouldn't you be arguing my side, and I yours?" (20.205)
Edward refers to his belief that, in the past, women protected their chastity until they got married. How much do women value their chastity before marriage today?
Quote #6
Gah! Married this summer!… And then, maybe it wouldn't bug me so much if I hadn't been raised to shudder at the thought of marriage. (20.264)
Bella admits that the failure of her parents' marriage impacts her view of marriage negatively. Is it common for children to make decisions on their own marriage based on their parents' experiences?
Quote #7
Though I'd given back the hand-me-down ring as soon as I could do it… my left hand felt heavier, like it was still in place, just invisible. (21.2)
Bella seems to think of marriage as a burden. Is it? In what way? And, if so, could it be a worthwhile burden?
Quote #8
[Alice to Bella:] "I know better what will make you happy… You'll thank me for this." (21.74)
Do you believe Alice is right in that Bella will later thank her for putting on a big wedding now? Is that what Bella really wants deep down?