I am not sure if this has come up before, I couldn't find it. But as I read and reread Twilight, I was struck by the weight of promises in the book. How especially Edward words his acceptance of promises and how he exacts one from Bella before he leaves her in NM. He tries to live up to his promises and expects that from her as well.

I know from reading other books about the way promises or oaths were regarded as part of a person's honor and their respect for others. In that when you gave an promise or your oath, you lived up to it. I feel that that is how Edward/the Cullen's view them as well. I also think that this is something missing in our society today. We don't keep the promises that we make. And kids aren't expected to keep them, so they are so much wasted words.

Just my thoughts,
Shella

I noticed that too! I kept thinking, when they'd say "You promised!" and that was all it took for the other to relent, that in today's society most people would just say "too bad. I lied." But in the book they keep good on their promises. I like it.

I agree. Promises meant something long ago. Your word was your oath. Your honor was at stake if you went back on a promise. These things meant something. People in general were more honorable in the past. I wish we had more of that still in our society.

Edward and the rest of the Cullens are quite moral for vampires and feel strongly about the value of a promise made. He does make sure that he can keep a promise before he engages in agreeing to promise something. You can tell every time Bella says "do you promise to answer?, do you promise to do it?" etc. Sometimes he won't promise, or he adds a disclaimer on like "I promise as long as it's in your best interest".

Edward was born in a time when "a man's word was his bond." It was a time when contracts were verbal, and people felt honor bound to follow through on them.

Wouldn't it be nice if people were still as honorable?

Edward is very careful about what and how he promises too. Remember in the hospital when Bella is begging Edward to not leave her? He says "Bella, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here as long as you need me."

Promises are SO IMPORTANT. I think that they're just as important now, except that NOW, people just take them more lightly, and it's bothersom! You guys should read (if you havn't already) A fanfic called "Sacrifices" by Entralled... I like the talk of promises in it. It's also just worth the read, and I'm NOT A FAN of FANFICS AT ALL, except this one because it sticks to the TRUE CHARACTERS and it really could've happened if Edward never returned. I think it was just in the most recent posted chapter that promises were mentioned.

http://twilightmomsforums.freeforums.or ... t3321.html


Enjoy.

Thanks, Jazmai. I susally don't care for the fanfics very much, but this one was different.

I couldn't agree more. I have to really watch myself to keep from doing the Jacob "sure, sure" thing with my kids and not following through.

That's because you are a great mother, Onyx. I too, tried to always keep my promises to my children, because I wanted them to learn how important a person's word is. Both of the twins have two children as well, and it is gratifying to see them try to teach the importance of promises to them.

Ladies, please let me start off by saying, that there are so many wonderful thoughts being expressed here in this thread.

Promises, unfortunately are something that the general populous of today does not hold in as high a regard as it has in years past. Nighttimepatronofthearts, I believe it was you who said that Human Edward grew up in a time when a man's word was his bond; this was so true; something to be looked upon as trustworthy and binding. Edward chooses his words and promises to Bella very carefully, as Andie mentioned, thus taking on a greater meaning given the present day time frame they are occurring in (It also makes me take a closer look at Edward's ability to lie to Bella so free and easily, which is being discussed here.).

To an extent, this is nonexistent in today's world. We tend to gravitate towards a suspicious by nature attitude (not without cause, sadly enough) rather than looking upon someone's word as being sacred. Our first instinct is to "get it in writing", rather than trying to look at the bigger picture and really understand the underlying message that is trying to be conveyed. I am not saying that we should fall victim to gullibility, but a nice balance of the two would work for me.

This entire way of choosing how to feel, most certainly has a domino effect on us. We tend to pass these feelings onto our children,( those most influenced by our actions) thus, perpetuating the mindset.

As a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, I live each day, choosing my words and actions with extreme care. My son lives in a literal world, not understanding the abstract at all. If I say, " I am going to the store on Friday to buy you new clothes, then I better follow through and do it just then. Imagine how hard it is for him when someone promises something and does not follow through with it?

Just my thought on a very interesting subject. Thank you for allowing me to express them.

That's what we are all really here for, support, understanding, and the acceptance that we find here.

So we're here for ya!

That's a really good point., how promises and oaths meant something different in earlier times.

I think one' word and how that was tied to one's honor, mattered much more than it does today.

He did however in NM admit he was going to end up breaking his promise to Bella though-beause he was unable to stay away from her. I think that was one promise he could have not kept, even if he wanted to.

I do agree that promises are no longer deemed important by society today. It's so sad because promises are now perceived as meaningless words and this promotes disappointment and distrust among people.

That's what makes Edward and the Cullans so special, they are a species that keeps their word, their promises. Other than the obvious necessary lies that are needed to exist-age, name-He lies when it is necessary to keep his promises to Bella. Nothing is black & white.. there is always the gray.. this is life.

This is such a great thread! I think the old saying that "a man is only as good as his word" has been lost today. So frequently the promise is either a lie or is brushed off with an "I forgot". Edward's promises to Bella come from the heart. He holds his regard for his word right up there with his and Bella's virtue. I think it's just another way for him to try to protect his soul just in case....