The Delay and Purpose Behind Stephenie Meyer’s 'Midnight Sun'

Stephenie Meyer's novel 'Midnight Sun' has always been a topic of interest and speculation, especially after its delayed release and the early draft leak. Some fans have speculated that the delay was due to someone stealing an early draft, while others are more focused on the actual purpose and the story's significance.

The leak of an early draft was certainly a blow to Meyer, as it can be a disheartening experience to watch your hard work fall into the wrong hands. Many fans and critics alike sympathize with the author's frustration. However, the real question we should be asking is, why write 'Midnight Sun' at all? What was its purpose?

Understanding the Story

The story of 'Midnight Sun' originally centered around Jacob Black and Bella Swan's relationship. It was sought to explore how their relationship would evolve and how it would impact the vampire world, particularly with the arrival of Aro. Aro, the vampire leader, needed their relationship as an excuse to start a battle, which was a significant plot point in the series.

The revelations and twists introduced in 'Midnight Sun' were crucial in understanding the future of the characters, especially Leah, who was not extensively explored in the earlier books. While Bella and Edward's story had largely concluded, Jacob and Nessie's story was just beginning. Their relationship was not just a personal drama but had implications for the future of the entire vampire-werewolf world.

The Birth of a New Race

The significance of Jacob and Nessie's relationship goes beyond their personal story. The hybrid nature of Nessie and Jacob's species, a combination of vampiric and werewolf traits, posed a unique threat and opportunity. The idea of a new race being born from their union is intriguing and complex. This hybrid was not just a mixture of two existing races but a potential new force in the world of literature and speculative fiction.

Meyer herself acknowledged in her earlier works, such as 'Breaking Dawn,' that certain plot conveniences were required to tie up the stories in a satisfying way. She may have realized that the hybrid nature of the characters posed a bigger challenge than just another romantic journey. The true danger was not in the immediate crises but in the long-term implications of their union.

The Long-Term Threat

It can be argued that the real threat posed by the hybrid nature of Jacob and Nessie lies in the fact that their future offspring could potentially be far superior to vampires. Aro, as the vampire leader, dismissed this threat out of ignorance or malice, but this was actually the biggest danger lurking in the story.

The idea of something "far superior" suggests a potential shift in the power dynamics of the world, a new race that could challenge or even overthrow the established order. This is the kind of exploration Meyer may have deemed too complex or risky to write, especially considering the constraints of narrative convenience and the commercial success of her earlier books.

Conclusion

The delay in the release of 'Midnight Sun' and the early draft leak are just symptoms of a larger narrative challenge faced by Stephenie Meyer. The story was not just about love but about the evolution of a species and the risks that come with such evolution. The delay was not just a setback but a recognition of the complexity and stakes involved in such a story. Whether 'Midnight Sun' answers some of these questions remains for fans to decide, but its absence highlights the depth and potential of the story that was intended to be told.