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Charlie and Renee

Twilight Archetypes — Charlie

Charlie embodies the Detective archetype.   He relies on his skills as an observer to be an effective policeman, but archetypally, the light (positive) aspect of his detective chooses not to snoop or spy on Bella (or anyone really — remember he detests town gossip about the Cullens early in the series).   When Jacob reveals himself as a wolf, Charlie takes it in stride and says he does not want to know the details or too much information – this is the light aspect of the detective who is able to discern the kinds of details that serve a higher purpose with the other details falling away as irrelevant, especially the kind of details that would wedge walls between us and other people.   The power of discernment is one of the most exquisite qualities of the enlightened detective archetype.

Charlie has the same reaction with Bella, Edward and the baby after Bella’s transformation because he cares more about being part of their life than necessarily understanding all of the “details.”  Charlie’s detective is a beautiful example of the highest potential for this archetype in that he does not use his gifts by collecting evidence or building a case against someone just because they are different.  His deductive powers are used for better purposes to protect those he loves, but with understanding and trust that some things are irrelevant, even if those details seem awry with the rest of the scene.    Like all good detectives, he keeps an open mind.

Charlie also embodies the light aspect of the archetypal concept of Institution (laws, rules, order), but without the need to impose an ulterior motive on others for the purpose of repressing them for his own gain or power.  He upholds Institution not for his own power or dominance, but because he sincerely sees Institution for the benefit of others’ safety and well-being. (For the shadow aspect of Institution, see the Volturi —http://twilightsagaarchetypes.com/the-volturi/.)

Twilight Archetypes — Renee

All of us have a Child archetype.   For some people, it’s the orphan child, for others the wounded child, or the nature child, or the divine child, the invisible child, etc. – there are many, many “flavors” of the child, but all of us have the child in some capacity because this archetype teaches us how to take care of ourselves and how to develop our self-esteem as a self-sufficient person so that we can love people without “needing” them in co-dependent and unhealthy patterns.  

Bella has the Adult Child archetype, which means she is always taking care of the grown-ups in her life even though she is supposed to be the literal “child.”  We see this over and over again as she takes care of Charlie and her mother.  In contrast to Bella’s Adult Child, Renee has the Eternal Child archetype, which means she never quite grows up.   We see many examples when Bella takes charge of domestic (usually parental) responsibilities and when Bella describes Renee as a very “young” personality.  

The dynamic of mother and child as between Bella and Renee is quite the opposite of “traditional,” but this one works for them because all archetypal combinations facilitate our ability to learn from our gifts and our challenges.   Bella and Renee have somewhat reversed roles from what traditional culture expects, but partly thanks to Renee’s Eternal Child, Bella’s Adult Child has the oppotunity to grow, evolve and blossom into the full and mature person Bella is meant to be.

2 Responses to “Charlie and Renee”

  1. Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog on my new iphone4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!

  2. I realize this is a “bot” post for the Twitter account called “twilightfreaks,” but it made me laugh, so I’m including it here.

    And um, thanks, “Kristen” — come back anytime :)

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