I am going to preface this post by saying that I do not hate Twilight. I actually enjoyed reading the books. (More on that later.) HOWEVER, no matter how much I do or don't enjoy reading Twilight there are some things that should just not be messed with.
This weekend, while visiting other bloggers through the hop, I came across this lovely site by Lily called After the Fall. I was enjoying myself, just browsing through when I noticed a post discussing how Jane Austen received a Twilight makeover. Excuse me?! A what?!
Let me explain. Apparently, the people at HarperTeen thought it would be a good idea to reissue several much beloved classics with new covers to generate more interest from Twilight lovers. Allow me to illustrate:
In Twilight we see loose elements of Pride and Prejudice threaded throughout Bella and Edward's relationship. To capitalize on this, we now have the recovered version seen here. It has the black background with the red and white floral motif, similar font and a tag line. (I agree with Lily — they gave Jane Austen a tag line?! Ugh!)
In New Moon, we have elements of Romeo and Juliet. They can't seem to find a happy ending, I'd rather die than live without you etc.
So, they gave Shakespeare a new cover. Shakespeare!! Seriously, what is this world coming to?!
In Eclipse, the literary connection comes from Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. (Although, as much as I enjoyed that book, I definitely don't think I would want my relationship compared to Healthcliff and Catherine — can we say dysfunctional and unhealthy?!)
As if it's not bad enough that they took these three classic pieces of literature and capitolized on their connection to Twilight, apparently it is now the thing to use to draw the teenage girl demographic to classics. Don't believe me, just look at what they've done to Jane Eyre.
I meant it when I said that I bear Twilight no ill will. I enjoyed the books for what they are and I like the fact that the books do not pretend to be something that they are not. I can't believe that there are people who think this is a good idea! To me, it implies that without Twilight, these books would not actually be worth reading. I'm sorry, but that's bull!
I can't stop you from purchasing these editions. I can't stop anyone from purchasing these editions. But I warn you — no matter how much I like you, if I see you with one of these covers or I hear that you have purchased them, I will judge you.
To read Lily's original post, in my blog.