Who Is the Right Choice in Twilight: Team Edward or Team Jacob?
Over the years, I’ve found myself deeply immersed in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, a legendary fantasy series with six books and five film adaptations that still ignites heated conversations today. Ever since the first movie was released, I’ve been torn between Team Edward and Team Jacob – a divide that has left an indelible mark on fans of both the novels and their screen counterparts. At one point, this debate was so passionate it fueled online arguments, tested friendships, and even led some die-hard fans to push their way forward at Comic-Con International.
The ongoing debate between supporters of Team Edward and Team Jacob, fueled by Taylor Lautner’s hosting stint on Saturday Night Live when he was playing Jacob in Twilight, has gained a new life with the upcoming release of Midnight Sun in 2020 and the planned adaptation of Twilight into a TV show. Although it seemed that Edward was the preferred character in the original Twilight series, both sides have their strong points. As time has passed since the initial wave of Twilight fandom, the intensity has subsided somewhat. However, with renewed interest in the series due to these recent developments, a more balanced discussion can now be had, offering older and newer fans of the saga an improved understanding of the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate.
The age-old fictional rivalry between werewolves and vampires has deep historical foundations, as evidenced in various works of literature. This rivalry is now so prominent that it’s often used for comedic effect in movies and shows like “What We Do in the Shadows.” However, unlike these portrayals, the allegiance between Team Edward and Team Jacob from “Twilight” took this competition very seriously. For good reasons, we have revised this article to include more pertinent details.
Twilight Fans Have Valid Points for Teams Edward and Jacob
Both Characters Have Some Rather Unsavory Traits
Despite Edward Cullen ultimately becoming Bella Swan’s partner, numerous fans believed he wasn’t an ideal match for her, leading to the heated debates between Team Jacob and Team Edward. Many fans found Edward’s character difficult to relate to due to his dominating, overprotective, and intense nature. Moreover, being more than a century old, Edward was significantly older than Bella, who was just a teenager, causing some unease among readers. Certain actions of Edward could be perceived as stalker-like or creepy. However, this very intensity that made others uncomfortable initially drew Bella to Edward. This duality in his character seemed to work both for and against him.
In a somewhat protective and slightly controlling manner, everything that Edward does for Bella stems from his deep concern for her wellbeing. In the story “New Moon,” he chooses to depart from her and relocate, aiming to grant her a regular human existence. As a vampire, Edward recognizes the delicate nature of human life and wishes to shield Bella as much as possible. Despite her attempts to persuade him into transforming her into a vampire, Edward firmly refuses. He believes that Bella should first immerse herself in all aspects of her human life before making a lifelong commitment to an immortal one with him. Many vampires express remorse for their past human lives, a sentiment that Edward doesn’t want Bella to experience.
Contrasting Edward with Jacob Black, it appears that Jacob could be the better fit for Bella, particularly during the events of “New Moon”. This is because Jacob emerges as a more vibrant character after Edward departs from Bella’s life. Unlike Edward, who often comes across as cool and reserved, Jacob is warmer and cheerful. He supports Bella in her endeavors, even when they are potentially risky, such as learning to ride a motorcycle. Moreover, Jacob takes a keen interest in Bella and they share many similarities due to their close age.
Jacob could live a human lifespan alongside Bella, meaning she wouldn’t have to alter her biology significantly to be with him. This means she wouldn’t have to make any sacrifices, which is often highlighted by fans when comparing Edward and Jacob. Unlike her relationship with Edward, things between Bella and Jacob are relatively drama-free and less dangerous. However, it should be noted that Jacob can be manipulative, especially when trying to win Bella over, even when she’s made it clear she wants to be with Edward. In the book “Eclipse“, Jacob displays this behavior by becoming childish and demanding, forcing Bella into making decisions on multiple occasions.
Twilight’s Team Jacob Never Stood a Chance
Bella Never Wanted to Be with Jacob
Despite the fact that Jacob might have made a wonderful partner for Bella, he simply didn’t stand a chance. The moment Bella met Edward, the vampire, her heart belonged to him. Bella valued and cared for Jacob deeply, but it was never true love. Then came Renesmee. Although this plot point seems somewhat unsettling, it effectively removed Jacob from contention for Bella’s affections. It also revealed the reason behind their attraction – they were fated for Jacob to eventually imprint on Bella’s child. Even if he had imprinted on Bella instead, their relationship would not have resulted in them being together.
In every aspect that Jacob disliked Edward, Bella adored him. This was a point Jacob never grasped, which in turn made it difficult for him to comprehend Bella’s feelings as well. To be objective, Edward and Bella have many shared interests: they both appreciate classical literature, enjoy similar music genres, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Despite the seeming compatibility between Jacob and Bella, their relationship might have grown monotonous for Bella over time. Moreover, Bella finds Edward’s maturity appealing, a trait that is more evident in Eclipse. Jacob appears to be content with his current state and persona, but Edward’s immortality drives him to learn and explore relentlessly.
Bella Swan Has a Few Major Cons Herself
Bella Dreams of Having an Obsessive Boy
Jacob and Edward aren’t the only ones who show signs of strong, obsessive behaviors. It’s clear that Bella struggles severely with separation anxiety, finding it difficult to spend a day on her own. This was particularly noticeable in the movie New Moon, when Edward left Bella. Granted, her heart was shattered at the time, but afterwards, she resorted to risky, thrill-seeking activities as a desperate attempt to catch Edward’s attention. Fans may debate about the manipulative tactics between the boys and Bella, but it’s also true that Bella encourages such behavior. This is due to Jacob’s belief that Bella died while jumping off a cliff, an action which was far from one of her finest moments.
From my perspective, while it may be contested that I never intentionally led Jacob astray by making him believe we shared something more than friendship, I must admit that I have utilized his feelings towards me to my advantage. My behavior towards him can be unpredictable, which is justified when he oversteps boundaries, but it’s not always fair to him. I only seek Jacob’s attention when I’m at my lowest or when Edward isn’t around. This inconsistency likely fuels Jacob’s frustration, as he feels discarded the moment the Cullens become available. This pattern is also reflected in my strained relationships with my high school friends. The truth is, my obsession with Edward and the Cullens overshadows everything and everyone else in my life.
While it’s undeniably exciting to pick between the charismatic monster-boys, it’s equally crucial to consider Bella as a character. She isn’t blameless in the complicated dynamics of determining which relationship is more harmful. In fact, Bella seems to fuel some of those toxic and possessive behaviors that both characters display. This aspect makes discussions about which man would be better for her less clear-cut.
Why Twilight’s Team Edward Wins the Debate
Edward’s the Perfect Match for Bella
For Bella, the naturally inquisitive girl, there’s no doubt in her mind that Edward is the superior choice. Despite the significant obstacle posed by their vampire-human divide, Bella found a way to surmount it, all for the sake of being with Edward eternally. Although Edward may appear cold on the surface, beneath that lies an intense passion – a deep love for this human girl he is determined to shield. The novel “Midnight Sun”, a reinterpretation of the first “Twilight” book from Edward’s perspective, underscores his unwavering affection for Bella. Edward’s feelings for Bella mirror her own in strength and rapid growth. As readers delve deeper into Edward’s thoughts and emotions, it becomes evident that Bella and Edward were destined to be together.
Bella yearns for the passionate depth found in fairy tale romance and more than ordinary human existence, which Jacob isn’t able to offer her. Interestingly, Bella herself exudes intensity and loves deeply, traits that only Edward truly comprehends and shares. The prospect of traveling, growing, and coexisting with Edward is far more captivating compared to staying in Forks eternally with Jacob and his werewolf gang. Jacob finds contentment in the humble life Forks offers him, while Bella finds the town unappealing until she encounters Edward. Furthermore, Edward consistently speaks highly of Jacob, whereas Jacob repeatedly disparages and belittles Edward, revealing a lack of maturity compared to Edward.
In essence, while both Edward and Jacob have their strengths and weaknesses, the preference for Team Edward in the Twilight saga remains strong. Though Jacob may appear more appealing or sensible at times, Bella’s choice has always been Edward. This debate about the superior character will continue as long as the Twilight franchise endures with reboots and an enthusiastic fanbase. With the upcoming TV series adaptation of Twilight, this debate is likely to reignite, bringing forth new arguments for both sides. There will always be supporters of Jacob over Edward, but in the grand scheme of the Twilight storyline, Bella ultimately ends up with Edward.
This Twilight Debate Highlights a Lot More Than Potential Lovers
Fanon Is Often Much Stronger Than Canon
Regardless of the outcome of the debate, both sides make sense when viewed through their underlying perspectives. In truth, comparing Edward to Jacob sheds light on their respective fan bases rather than the characters themselves. The affection that Edward shows towards Bella arises from his supernatural nature, which appeals to readers/viewers who seek safety and believe in fate. This idea of destiny between Edward and Bella is a significant selling point for the vampire character. Conversely, Jacob’s intense feelings may sometimes seem overwhelming, but they stem from an authentic place and raw instinct. Fans drawn to Jacob are captivated by his rugged charm, which stands in stark contrast to Edward’s polished demeanor.
The battle between Team Edward and Team Jacob marked a significant milestone in internet fandom trends, where fans identified strongly with one of the two characters. This debate, while not the first, hinted at the online feuds that would later dominate the web. It wasn’t primarily about Bella choosing her romantic partner, but rather about fans imagining their ideal lives within the Twilight universe. Some saw Edward as their dream match, while others stood firm on Jacob being the superior choice. In essence, fan-created narratives, or headcanon, often held more sway than the established storyline itself.
Read More
- The Last of Us season 2 confirms spring 2025 release on HBO
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Ending—Maelle or Verso? All Endings and Twist Explained
- Deadly Dudes Hero Tier List
- Original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Designer Says Bethesda’s Remaster Is So Impressive It Could Be Called ‘Oblivion 2.0’
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Treasure Tier List for May 2025
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Clash Royale May 2025: Events, Challenges, Tournaments, and Rewards
- ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 is arriving soon. Here’s a Season 1 recap
- Final Destination: Bloodlines new trailer reveals first look at Tony Todd’s final movie role
- HBO shares The Last of Us season 2 release window
2025-05-20 04:07