Book I
In the
opening pages of Breaking Dawn, we
learn that much has changed since the end of Eclipse. The invitations have been sent for Bella and Edward’s
wedding. Bella is a big nerve ball as she prepares for the big day. While she
is mostly nervous about not falling in her dress and heels in front of
everyone, Edward has reservations about the agreement to try sex while Bella is
still human. We noted in Eclipse that
Bella moved through a long and tedious maturation process. We see some of this
new maturity in her willingness to accept responsibility and consider the needs
of others in her life. Her ability to love well expands in this book.
The
wedding and reception come off beautifully, and the day is one full of emotions
for both Bella and Edward. The diversity of guests reminds us that multiple
groups have learned to work and exist together. It is a gathering of natural
and supernatural beings. Bella’s best present of the day comes in the form of
Jacob Black. He reappears to wish Bella well with Sam and the pack present to
monitor his behavior. While the two close friends catch up, Bella shares her
honeymoon plans. Jacob thinks she is kidding about the human-vampire sex
attempt. When she confirms it, Jacob verbally explodes on her. Edward steps
into the fray to protect Bella. Jacob leaves, and Bella is devastated.
Bella and Edward leave for their honeymoon and
new life together. Edward takes her to a special place called Isle Esme. I
don’t know about you, but I was ready to sign up for a trip to this island when
I read the description. It is an isolated tropical location for these two
lovebirds. The first night of the honeymoon is a much anticipated scene. The
sexual tension between these two has been escalating since Twilight. Edward gives Bella some time to unpack and prepare for
this special moment. Her nerves reach new heights at this point. I realize that
each of you has a different level of sexual experience. For those who have had
sex, you can relate to Bella’s nervousness. For those who have no experience,
you can anticipate the same fears when that time comes for you. Her trepidation
is valid. It is a scary and exciting thing to expose yourself so openly through
sexual intimacy. Bella pushes through her panic and enjoys a life-changing
night with Edward.
Bella and Edward’s first sexual encounter is
an intense reminder of the beauty and freedom of sex within marriage. After
their first night, we learn that Bella’s body is bruised from the experience.
Edward is crushed by this realization, and he will not attempt sex again.
Meanwhile, Bella can think of nothing but the thrill and connection from that
night. The honeymoon takes a dive from here, and the time is filled with games
and activities. Bella carries a heavy burden in this rejection by Edward. After
she practically begs him, he concedes to attempting sex again. When things go
better the second time, Bella realizes that being human has its advantages. She
contemplates pushing her vampire conversion into the future. Then the symptoms
begin. The cravings, the vomiting, the dizziness, and the sleepiness all point
to something that seems obvious – Bella is pregnant. This is confirmed when she
calculates a missed cycle and feels movement in her belly.
Breaking Dawn, Book I,
ends with a rapid succession of events. Edward shares the shocking news of
pregnancy with Carlisle. He then moves quickly to pack them for their return
trip to Forks while furiously directing Bella to have an abortion. The cleaning
crew shares bad predictions about supernatural pregnancies in humans. Bella has
an epiphany as the pregnancy news sinks in, and she realizes that she wants to
be a mother and already loves her baby dearly. On the way to the airport, Bella
calls Rosalie for help. It is a bitter end to a sweet beginning for our lovers’
honeymoon.
Book II
When
Charlie hears from Bella, the pack goes into action, thinking that Bella has
become a vampire. Sam decides that they will not attack since Bella chose her
new existence. This infuriates Jacob. He decides to handle the situation on his
own and visits the Cullen house. Boy is he surprised by what he sees there! He
discovers that Bella is back but not changed. He also finds out that Bella is
pregnant with Edward’s child. Jacob sees the physical toll that Bella must
endure for the pregnancy. Edward takes him outside, and Jacob then sees the
emotional toll that Edward bears as well. Edward is unstable and desperate for
Jacob’s help.
Bella’s
own light, Jacob, comes back to convince her that an abortion is the right path
to take in this situation. He learns that Bella thinks magic will save her and
the baby, and Jacob realizes his own addiction to Bella. He just can’t get
enough of her. After his visit, Sam’s pack convenes to discuss the news. Sam
decides that the pack will attack the Cullens and destroy the baby since it is
a threat to the La Push community. Jacob refuses to follow Sam’s order and
rises as a new Alpha leader in the wolf pack. He leaves to warn the Cullens,
but Seth and Leah are not far behind him. Thus, a new pack is formed under the
leadership of Jacob Black. Their main focus is protecting the Cullens from
Sam’s pack. Jacob shares the impending threat with Carlisle and also begs him
to force Bella into another option for the baby. Carlisle refuses to push Bella
into any action against her will.
Bella’s
pregnancy in Breaking Dawn, Book II,
languishes on. Jacob joins Edward in his disdain for the baby. The disjointed
group tries a new approach with asking Bella to drink blood. Can I get an
“yuck!” from everybody? The blood makes the difference for Bella’s physical
disposition. As Jacob observes the love between Bella and Edward, he gains a
new understanding his pack mate Leah and her desire to leave Sam’s pack and La
Push. We learn a lot about Leah in this portion of Breaking Dawn. She is a bold woman operating in a man’s world. Sam
sends others from his pack to bring Jacob back home. Jacob refuses and shares
his insecurities about leading with his pack members.
Jacob’s pack is overwhelmed by the kindness of
the Cullen family. As Bella approaches her suspected due date, the dynamics of
this unlikely fellowship change a little bit. Much of the Cullen clan leaves to
hunt in preparation for the hard days ahead. Bella and Edward, our main
characters, have a breakthrough moment together. Edward realizes that he can
hear the baby’s thoughts. This is a special encounter for this couple.
Understanding their unbreakable commitment has been cemented by his baby, Jacob
feels trapped. He leaves to gather his thoughts and attempt a forced imprint.
In Breaking Dawn, Book II, we see Bella
giving every part of herself to providing life for her baby. The last chapter
of this section reveals a very graphic birth scene. Edward and Jacob unite
again to save Bella. Renesmee is born. Bella greets her child but loses
conscience quickly thereafter. As Rosalie cares for the baby, Edward and Jacob
work vigorously to revive Bella. As the last resort, Edward injects his venom
into Bella’s heart and covers her body in vampire bites. Jacob realizes that
Bella is dead because his pull to her is no longer present. He heads downstairs
to kill the baby, but something peculiar happens. When Jacob makes eye contact
with Renesmee, he instantly imprints with her. And, yes, I still think that’s
creepy. This ends Jacob’s perspective of our story in Breaking Dawn.
Book III
Bella and Edward spend time as newlyweds and
parents. On Bella’s birthday, the couple receives two special gifts. One is a
cottage just for them, and the other is alone time to enjoy their own personal
space. These two lovebirds waste no time in their new cottage. While Bella and
Edward enjoy their marital bliss, the wolf pack springs into action. Jacob
attempts to help Charlie understand the unusual situation with Bella by phasing
in front of him. With some confusion, Charlie comes to visit Bella at the
Cullen house. Everything goes well, and Bella has a sense of belonging that has
eluded her until this moment. When Bella, Jacob and Renesmee go hunting together,
they are observed by another vampire, Irina. She runs to Italy, as she thinks
Renesmee is one of the immortal children. Within moments, Alice sees what is
happening and knows that the Volturi are coming for them. The Cullen family
plan to ask their friends to testify with them on Renesmee’s behalf.
While the Cullen family and friends prepare to
fight the evil Volturi, Bella makes some preparations of her own. She puts
together a contingency plan for Renesmee and Jacob, and she also learns how to
work her shield. When the Volturi finally arrive, Edward learns that this
Italian mob has a preconceived plan to judge and punish the Cullen family. (This
scene reminds me of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was brought before a
group who had already decided to punish him before a proper trial was
conducted.) When the Cullen clan presents its case, Aro believes them, but he
still wants to kill Renesmee. One friend in particular, Garrett, makes a
passionate speech that sums up what we have seen in the Cullen family. He says,
“I have witnessed the bonds within this family – I say family and not coven. These strange golden-eyed ones deny their very natures. But in return have they found something worth even more, perhaps, than mere gratifications of desire? I’ve made a little study of them in my time here, and it seems to me that intrinsic to this intense family binding – that which makes them possible at all – is the peaceful character of this life of sacrifice.”16
In the last part of Breaking Dawn, the Cullen family and friends say their goodbyes to
each other, as they know that the Volturi will strike at any moment. Aro begins
a mental attack with his guards, but Bella’s shield is able to protect the
Cullen family and friends. Alice appears with new evidence at the last moment,
and the Volturi have no choice but to leave. Afterwards, we learn more details
about the Volturi attack through Edward and Alice and how Bella played a
pivotal role in the victory. Breaking
Dawn ends with Bella and Edward seeing no more threats and an eternity to
spend together. Forever.