One day the lover of the dead vampire appeared in the area seeking revenge. Taha Aki transitioned into werewolf form for the first time in many years to fight the vampire. When it appeared Taha Aki would die, his third wife stabbed herself in the heart to distract the vampire long enough for Taha Aki and the other werewolves to take the advantage. From that time the descendants of Taha Aki have transitioned into werewolves as they entered manhood to protect the tribe from vampires. However, with the gradual disappearance of vampires, fewer and fewer werewolves appeared until there were none. However, the arrival of the Cullen family set off the genetic marker, creating the largest pack of Quileute werewolves since Taha Aki's time. The stories that Bella hears at the Quileute bonfire are important to the plot for several reasons. First, these stories tell the reader how the werewolves came to be in the first place. Second, these stories tell why the werewolves are the enemy of the vampires. Third, these stories reveal the legend of the third wife, a legend that will haunt Bella and will become a motivating factor later in the novel when Bella has to choose between life and the death of those she loves.

1. There are many legends in the real world as well as the fantasy world of Eclipse. What do you think are the basis for legends and do you think there is some truth in all legends? Why or why not? Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think legends are important to all cultures? Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.

3. The third wife sacrifices herself to save her husband and yet it is his name which is remembered. Explain how what this might suggest about gender issues in the tribe and why you think as you do. Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Bella and Jacob is one of great importance at this point in the novel. Jacob loves Bella and wants to spend time with her, but Edward is reluctant to allow his love to spend time with a group of werewolves who have vowed to kill him and his kind. To complicate things, it is clear to the reader that Jacob is in love with Bella. Bella, however, does not see Jacob this way and prefers to think of him as her best friend. Bella's own confusion in her feelings for Jacob only adds to the tension between Edward and Jacob because Edward clearly cannot trust that Bella will choose him in the end.

1. Do you think Edward is correct in his fear that werewolves might hurt Bella? Why or why not? Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.

2. Is it possible that Edward is more jealous than fearful when it comes to Jacob and Bella? Why or why not might this be true? Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the problems that might occur in a friendship where one of the friends is in love with the other but that type of love is not returned. Use examples from Eclipse and your own life to support your answer.