Once your students have completed the book, you'll want to spend a class period going over the discussion questions below. Many of these questions do not have a correct or incorrect answer, but will get your students thinking and talking about the book and its major points.
1. What do you think about Edward and Bella's relationship? Is it realistic? Why or why not?
2. How are Stephenie Meyer's vampires different than the traditional vampire found in literature by writers like Bram Stoker
3. All of the Cullens seem to have special abilities/powers. What would your special ability be if you were a vampire?
4. Do you like Edward? Why? Why not?
5. Do you like Bella? Why? Why not?
6. Why do you think some readers get caught up in the world of Twilight?
7. How does the author keep you interested in reading the next chapter? (Have students discuss plot points, such as hangers that make you want to keep reading).
8. Do the characters have layers and dimension? Why or why not?
9. Would the book work as well if Bella weren't clumsy?
10. Would the book work as well if Edward wasn't old fashioned?
11. How do the secondary characters (Alice, Jasper, Charlie, Carlisle, Mike, Angela, etc.) enhance the story?
Optional additional lesson:
Have your students read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, then ask the following question. Alternately, you can have the students answer the questions in writing or essay form.
1. What are the similarities between Romeo and Juliet and Twilight?
The DVD release of the movie Twilight will be available as of March 2008. You may want to plan a closing event where students can view the movie. After the viewing , ask them to compare the movie with the book. Some questions you may want to ask include what was cut from the movie to keep it under two hours and how it impacts the story line (better or worse?). Opinions will likely differ.