Chapter 4 ~ Nature

[eclipserox]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
-Both--I'm not a Jaccob fan; however, I really hate it when boyfriends act jealous and don't want girls to have male friends. Girls and guys can be friends. Bella only thought of Jaccob as a friend, and she had proved that Edward could trust her multiple times. But, I expected Alice to make it more difficult for her since Alice really seemed to think the werewolves posed a danger. I know she can't show her strength and speed in front of everyone, but I did think she would follow and try to catch up once they were off school grounds.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
-Again, I think Bella has a right to see her male friends. And, if my boyfriend was trying to prevent me from seeing a friend, it would probably make me a little rebellious, too. But, I think she probably should have ended her friendship with Jaccob since he liked her as more than a friend and she was only hurting him.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
-There would be losses on both sides. Esme is never described as a strong fighter so I imagine she might be one of the vampire losses. The really young and inexperienced werewolves and the smaller werewolves probably wouldn't stand a chance. In the end, more vampires would be left standing because they are more experienced fighters.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
-No I don't. She may have decided to get involved with Jacob, but Edward was her soul mate and she never would have gotten over him. She would always have been unhappy and only half there. She would continue to do dangerous things in order to hallucinate Edward's voice. And I don't think the werewolves could have protected Bella from Victoria and her army without the vampires help.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
-I don't think he is any more human than Edward. Both appear to be human but with differences-Edward's skin is paler and sparkles in the sun and his eyes change, while Jacob grew ridiculously big and would not look like a normal kid his age. Edward's always cold, whereas Jacob's always hot. At the time, they think Edward is unable to reproduce while Jacob can have kids, but BD negates this. They are both somewhat dangerous-Edward is venomous, whereas Jacob could lose his temper and hurt Bella. They are both really strong. If they had kids with Bella, neither would have a normal human-we see what happens with Edward and Jacob's child would eventually become a werewolf.

[footloose]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
As much as I disagree with it, I would rather Alice not stopping Bella. It will only make Bella thinks that Edward is overprotective and controlling. Yes, he does it for Bella's safety and I think his fear over Jacob losing control is justified, but Bella has spent some time with Jacob and he has never hurt her, so it's better for him to trust Bella's judgment on this. If there's anything I don't like about Bella seeing Jacob, is because she has treated him more than a friend before, and i think it's rude for her to insist on seeing him when his boyfriend is back.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
a.) No. b.) Yes. If Bella has never considered Jacob as anything more than a friend or a brother, then I won't have a problem with it. But Bella HAS given him hope in NM, not once but repeatedly, and he is NOT willing to give it up now. And heck, it's not like Bella doesn't know this. So why giving him hope again when her boyfriend is around? I just don't get it. I think it's selfishness in her part, that she wants equal share from both boys.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
I don't know. It can be anyone. Vampires are not easy to kill, but the werewolves are very strong.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
YES. I never consider Bella's love to be as permanent as Edward's love for her, because despite her grief and her insistence that she cannot live without Edward, she still wants to survive. She clung to Jacob like a lifeline in NM and even willing to lie to him about her feelings, telling him that she could try to be his girlfriend so that he wouldn't leave her. Besides, she WAS happy and in love with Jacob, even though she might deny it then. Moreover, Edward left her with the impression that he didn't love her anymore. So i guess she would finally accept Jacob with time and eventually leave her past with Edward behind.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
In a sense, he is more human than Edward. By choosing him, Bella will still retain most of her humanity. She can grow old, have children, sleep with Jake (literally), live normally and keep her family. In other words, she won't be condemned to eternal damnation.

[kcrn1995]

1. I was hoping that Alice would have been able to stop her. Bella wants "everthing" she wants: Edward and Jacob. She manipulated Jacob back in Twilight to get what she wanted information about Edward's familiy. In New Moon she manipulated him again to get what she wanted: Edwards voice in her head. Yes she started having feelings for him, but all through that time period she wanted him to be a "brother". Even with Edward away she was still wanting him. Things she did during her time with Jacob, Bella even comments that Jacob is getting the wrong impression but does nothing of substance to correct his interpretation. Even at the end of NM when Edward is back she still wants to see and help Jacob. In Eclipse while she is determined to keep Edward with her she still wants Jacob in her life even knowing that the person she is "meant to be with" is hurt over and over by this want. This was the hardest book to read in that Bella is very self-absorbed through this book wanting both Edward and Jacob and wanting neither of them to get rid of the terror in her life: Victoria.
2. Anyone reading Eclipse for the first time could have laid bets that Bella would head to LaPush first chance she got. I guess in my mind when you have to sneak around to do something then you know you probably shouldn't be doing it. Her going to LaPush was wrong. The harm she causes is for both Edward and Jacob. Edward has committed himself to her completely. She can't seem to do the same for him. She recognizes in the story that her talk and thoughtful face when Jacob is discussed truly hurts Edward. She claims in NM and Eclipse that she doesn't want to hurt Jacob either. Yet, she doesn't clear up the relationship between the two of them to be "just best friends". I think this could be called "leading him on" which is never good for either party involved.
3. I have no doubt that the vampires would win. They have intellect and the "extra abilities" on their side.
4. No. Even if Edward had not come back in the story and Bella "chose to make Jacob hers" she was "settling". If you believe her in Twilight, Edward is her true love. He is the reason she moved to Forks is in her thoughts. Even if she gave into her feelings for Jacob it would never be what she really wanted.
5. Jacob, who is either a werevolve or shape shifter is NOT human anymore no matter what the circumstances were that caused this. As the cause: vampires being near by and the effect: him becoming werevolve/shapeshifter can occur at any time throughout his life, he is no more human than a vampire. Billy is human.

[LilyMorgana]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to La Push or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
I was hoping she'd get there. I like it when she interacts with Jacob. They have the greatest friendship.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to La Push to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
I thought it was the right thing, yes. She shouldn't always do what Edward wants her to do or not to do. It's her decision and I don't feel like she's doing any real harm.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
I don't know. I do think the vampires would win but maybe that's just my own personal preference.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
No, everything would not be fine. Bella would still have the gaping hole in her chest and although they'd be happy together, there'd still be difficulties.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
I consider him to be more human than the vampires. It's just that he seems more human because he has his flaws and the unusual wolfy strength aside and all, he is quite a normal person.

[debussygirl]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why? I didn't care because I don't care for Jacob, but if she went *shrug* what did it matter?

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good? I think it tangled a bit too much with Jacob's emotions.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why? Vampires because they are indestructible and venom is fatal to the wolves. One little bite and they're done.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why? No, Bella would've never gotten over Edward and it would have caused Jacob a lot of grief with that fact.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity? I think he's human, but the vamps can also act human so I think his point is moot.

[loveisblind]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?

I was rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush, because I love their time together and how their relationship is so natural for them.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?

Although I was hoping for Bella to make it to LaPush, it still wasn't the right, reponsible thing to do. I think there were other alternatives she should've considered, instead of going against Edward's word, and leaving him distraught and worried whilst harming Jacob emotionally by doing what she did.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?

For sure, the vampires, though the werewolves would be a real challenge in some ways.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?

Of course not, that hole that Edward's absence left in Bella's life wouldn't ever be able to fully recover itself again. Jacob may have been able to stitch up that hole again after some time, but she would always be yearning for Edward.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?

No, I don't consider Jacob fully "human" in the sense that some of his personality traits are portrayed in his wolf form and vice versa. By that I mean, even in his human form, Jacob has brought some wolf senses to his "humanity". For example, his sensative hearing, he can hear all the way to the highway (as the vampires can also), his strength and how hard his skin is (Bella broke her hand trying to punch him!). And anyway, no human could grow at that rate!

[-veiled-]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
- I was actually rooting for Alice to stop Bella in time. I've never really liked Jacob much until "Breaking Dawn", then I actually got a soft spot for the mutt.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
- I understand why she darted off. Jacob needed her and as a friend she wanted to be there for him. She didn't intend to do any harm, but it could definitely backfire.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
- The Cullen clan! Definitely!

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
- I think he was definitely thinking that he could make it better for Bella, but I don't think it would have worked out. Bella will never be the same without her "other-half".

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
- No, he is human as long as he feels emotions such as love, anger, etc.

[runningali]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?

I don't particularly like Jacob...so I kind of wanted Alice to stop her before she made it. Although, that would make Bellas all that more interested in getting to La Push eventually so I guess it was fine . I think Edward being too protective might eventually put Bella off (despite her desperate love for him.)

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?

Knowing Jacob's feelings for Bella (which she is also very aware of!) it seems unfair for her to be around him so much and "tease" with his feelings. It creates false hope for Jacob.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?

Vampires. In this case, the vampires are "older" and more trained in fighting. The werewolves are young and inexperienced.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?

Well, right before Alice came back, Bella was entertaining "giving in" the Jacob's feelings for her. I think it is possible with time that she might have let her guard down and "been" with Jacob. But, we knew from New Moon that Edward was likely going to come back anyway and Bella would have chosen him in a heartbeat over Jacob. She views Jacob as family, Edward is her true love.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?

I think he's somewhat human as he has a beating heart. But the fact that he phases and doesn't age while he's turning into a wolve makes him more like Edward in my eyes (less-human.)

[spiritwolf32]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
I hoped she would make it. I get so caught up with Bella and Jacob that I just can't help it. Plus I hate people making choices for me and Edward kept take Bella's choices from her regarding that. It would have been different if Bella hadn't already spent so much time with the wolves and she didn't know the dangers or anything about them; but she did and she has already spent so much time there with them while Edward was gone.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
I didn't see anything wrong with going to see a friend or friends. I also don't see how it would have caused harm. I think La Push was safer than Forks.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
I honestly don't know how to decide. They are both really good. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The numbers would also have to apply there as well. Also since I like both the wolves and the vampires (the good vamps anyway) I don't want to know.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
I think Bella would have gotten to where she could be happy. I don't think she would have ever forgotten Edward and there would always be that missing piece of her life. But yeah, I think she could have eventually gotten to a point where she could have been happy. People lose loves at times. Things happen to take them away or they leave as Edward did. So it is possible to move on. Just really hard sometimes. It may seem impossible while you are healing though.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
I think he is human, just more advanced because of the extra chromosome and the shape-shifting. To me that is magic

[ForJazz926]

1. Were you rooting for Bella to make it to LaPush or were you hoping that Alice would stop her? Why?
Definitely rooting for Bella to make it. I hate it when frienships fail because of conflicting romantic relationships, and I really like Jacob's character. I think part of the interest of the story is the addition of Jacob - it pushes both Edward's and Bella's emotions to the brink, showing complexity. I love complexity.

2. Do you think it was right for Bella to dart off to LaPush to see Jacob? Could she do more harm than good?
I think at that point, she didn't really have any other option. If she was going to see him, she was going to need to dart off.

3. Who do you think would win in a real, full out fight between the werewolves and vampires? Why?
Depends on the numbers, I'd say. But if it was even, one to one, then I'd say vampires because of their intelligence and strategy, and they seem more coordinated. More than one wolf to a vampire, I'd say wolves because of their "distraction" technique.

4. Do you think Jacob was right in assuming that everything would be fine had Edward not come back into Bella's life? Why?
No. Bella and Edward's relationship is similiar to wolf imprinting. If something happened to Emily, it's not like Sam would move on and be fine one day either. He'd always be missing an important piece of himself. Technically I think Bella would have been all right - people can survive a lot of pain and trauma. And obviously, she loves Jacob, too. So I do think she could have moved on...one day. But the difference between Edward and Jacob is that if roles were reversed, Edward never would have thought the way Jacob did. Edward is always thinking about what makes Bella happy. If she truly wanted to be with Jacob, Edward would let it go.

5. Do you consider Jacob "human" in the sense that he means he is human? Or does his phasing negate his humanity?
I consider him human, yes. I believed his explanation he gave to Bella. He was born with this...and his heart still beats, he can bear human children, and he can one day grow old again. It is simply a part of who he is, part of his destiny. But he was never changed into anything - it's not like he started a new life.