Harry Potter is better than the Twilight saga.

Q1a: "It is only fair to compare the two main female characters, and the two main male characters from each series. I present to you, Hermione Granger." Not necessarily, as neither series has exactly the same purpose, therefore the character's purposes will differ. Hermione is presented as a "confident, strong minded, intelligent girl...", but creating a strong character does not always equate to an excellent read. In George Orwell's '1984', Winston Smith was a horribly weak character, yet if he wasn't then 1984 could not have been written. Some would argue that 1984 was poorly written (in terms of writing inducing excitement), but the ideas involved (double-think, totalitarian governments) make the book a classic[1], and this is WITH a weak lead character. Whilst Bella may not be as "strong minded" in comparison to Hermione, her insecurity is paramount for the Twilight series as it could not demonstrate its points without a weak character (the actual points I will get to later). Q1b: "Although she does battle with Harry and Ron, they never need to protect her or save her; she is shown as equal." So relying on men for "protection" automatically makes a girl "[un]equal"? Everyone needs protection sometimes, even some of the strongest men. For example, a man breaks into a married couples' home late at night and attacks a sleeping man. The sleeping man's wife wakes up and fires a gun at the attacker; does this make the sleeping man unequal for requiring protection? You have exaggerated a common criticism of Twilight: Bella is weak and sometimes requires protection. Even if she required constant protection (because she is mentally weak), that does not equate to her being unequal to anyone else. Twilight projects Bella as being weak, NOT unequal. Q2a: "Bella needs to be saved by Edward, and this requiring for a man to save and protect her is a continuous theme throughout the books. She shows both physical and emotional weakness through the story, and she evidently needs Edward to aid her in both aspects. This is sexist, and although young girls may see this as "chivalrous", it is subconsciously showing that the girl is weak, and a man must rescue and protect her." This argument appears to be questioning the role model values of both lead female characters. Yes, Bella is weak minded, but don't rush to the conclusion that because Bella is weak, Myer in insinuating that all girls are weak and require protection. As previously stated, Myer has implemented such character to demonstrate a point/points. Q2b: Since you've attacked Bella for being a poor role model, allow me to return fire on Hermione. Hermione is "a confident, strong minded, intelligent girl…"; however, her strong sense of independence should be FAR more of a detriment than it is. NEVER is the Harry Potter series does Hermione get in trouble for being what can only be described as disgustingly stubborn, which is very unrealistic. In fact, Rowling always depicts this stubbornness as being a wonderful virtue and ensures Hermione's lines are witty (and as a result, very attractive). There is a fine line between being independent and stubborn, and Hermione constantly barges her foot over the line in apparent ‘role-model success'. Q3: "Edward breaks up with Bella. It is only natural for her to be heartbroken, but what I found distressing while reading it is how she consciously puts herself in danger to "see" him again. (In one instance I believe she wants to dive off a cliff) This has blatant suicidal overtones, and shows that Bella is unhealthily obsessed with Edward (and yet this is still perceived as the perfect relationship!)" On the contrary, Twilight works almost exclusively as a campaign for abstinence and the evilness of male hormones. The story treats sexuality as a disease. There is a boy who is trouble because he can't hold back his urges for a girl. There is a girl, whom can't help being attracted to that boy, so shown as weak-minded. Twilight demonstrates all the nasty, vapid and horrors of ‘teenage love' and portrays them as such. C: Looking through the rest of your argument, you attack other characters for being poor role models, hence your conclusion: "I conclude that the lead characters in HP are much better role models than those in Twilight". I have argued why good role models do not always equate to a good novel series, ESPECIALLY when the purpose of the series requires poor role models. You have argued under the assumption that all good novel (and series) must require good role models in order to be well written, which is a false premise. It would be horribly ineffective and counter-productive for Twilight to have good role models in its lead/main characters, whilst Harry Potter requires these excellent role models. Therefore, neither series can be adjudged "better" than the other based on this point. [1] http://us.penguingroup.com...