K
KristenVictoria
Guest
May I just say that it drives me crazy when people call Angel/Edward and Buffy/Bella similar? Personally, there are far more dissimilarities than similarities between these couples. My examples are strictly from the television show, as I don't read the comics. This post has no intention of offending anyone who likes Edward and Bella, nor anyone who believes these two couples are very similar, though I hope to persuade you otherwise. 😀 Be aware that I don't mean to state this post as fact; it is my opinion.
Angel and Buffy are heroes; time and time again, they give up their own wants/needs for others. I can't stress this point enough. Yes, they are swept up by each other (I believe this typically happens with first loves), but this is not a negative thing in their case, as Buffy remains the Slayer; she does not abandon her friends/family/duties/responsibilities (life) to be with Angel.
On the other hand, Bella is ready, eager even (very quickly!) to give up her mortality, identity, family and future to become a vampire in order to be with Edward. She defines her whole existence on Edward. On multiple occasions, Bella neglects and dumps her "friends" (more like acquaintances, if you ask me) and very close friend Jacob, in order to be with Edward.
Angel and Buffy move on with their lives (though clearly the pain/loneliness remain) when Angel leaves in Season Three. They each have to grow and experience life separately, and they both embark on journeys that take them down different paths. They each have duties and responsibilities as heroes; Angel forms his own team and swears to help the helpless, while Buffy continues to grow stronger as the Slayer with the help of her friends. Angel and Buffy have goals, they have purpose. When Angel leaves, he does not return to Sunnydale to begin a romantic relationship with Buffy. He comes back only on certain important occasions to help/comfort her (i.e. after Doyle receives a vision of Buffy in serious trouble [in which Angel remains hidden], to comfort Buffy from the loss of her mother, after Buffy is pulled out of Heaven, etc). As I wrote in the previous paragraph, Buffy does not give up her life after Angel leaves. He is not the only important thing in her life, and Buffy knows this.
On the other hand, Edward doesn't leave for good, though it seems he does as he removes the stereo and all the pictures of him from Bella's scrapbook. After he leaves, Bella spirals into a severe depression for months, practically giving up her life. They end up starting a romantic relationship again when Edward returns, and Bella reverts back to the person she was pre-Edward leaving (her life entirely focused and revolving around Edward).
Angel and Buffy have lives outside of their relationship. At the time of Buffy's death, Angel had built a Scooby-like team and friendship of his own, consisting of Cordelia, Gunn and Wesley. He had successfully started up Angel Investigations, and has saved numerous lives with the help of his friends. Angel deals with Buffy's death in an incredibly mature way, and is able to grieve and move on.
On the other hand, upon hearing that "Charlie is at the funeral," Edward jumps to conclusions and immediately decides to kill himself with no care for his family (Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie) and with no consideration for their thoughts/feelings on the matter.
Buffy is not consumed by her love for Angel. See "Becoming Part 2." 'Nough said.
Bella is the polar opposite in this case.
While Angel and Edward are both broody, AtS allowed Angel to portray many different shades of his character. In addition, Angel himself is completely aware and often makes fun of his broodiness (not to mention many of the other characters do too).
After four books, Edward remained.. Broody Edward.
Angel and Buffy are a very romantic couple, but are, again, poked fun at; i.e. In AtS, Cordelia and Wesley mocking their reunion. This makes Angel and Buffy a more light-hearted couple.
Edward and Bella are never portrayed in this shade.
Individually, Angel and Buffy have character and personality and flaws and are far from perfect.
None of this describes Edward and Bella. Flat, dull, obsessive, vain and selfish does.
I could go on..
Angel and Buffy are heroes; time and time again, they give up their own wants/needs for others. I can't stress this point enough. Yes, they are swept up by each other (I believe this typically happens with first loves), but this is not a negative thing in their case, as Buffy remains the Slayer; she does not abandon her friends/family/duties/responsibilities (life) to be with Angel.
On the other hand, Bella is ready, eager even (very quickly!) to give up her mortality, identity, family and future to become a vampire in order to be with Edward. She defines her whole existence on Edward. On multiple occasions, Bella neglects and dumps her "friends" (more like acquaintances, if you ask me) and very close friend Jacob, in order to be with Edward.
Angel and Buffy move on with their lives (though clearly the pain/loneliness remain) when Angel leaves in Season Three. They each have to grow and experience life separately, and they both embark on journeys that take them down different paths. They each have duties and responsibilities as heroes; Angel forms his own team and swears to help the helpless, while Buffy continues to grow stronger as the Slayer with the help of her friends. Angel and Buffy have goals, they have purpose. When Angel leaves, he does not return to Sunnydale to begin a romantic relationship with Buffy. He comes back only on certain important occasions to help/comfort her (i.e. after Doyle receives a vision of Buffy in serious trouble [in which Angel remains hidden], to comfort Buffy from the loss of her mother, after Buffy is pulled out of Heaven, etc). As I wrote in the previous paragraph, Buffy does not give up her life after Angel leaves. He is not the only important thing in her life, and Buffy knows this.
On the other hand, Edward doesn't leave for good, though it seems he does as he removes the stereo and all the pictures of him from Bella's scrapbook. After he leaves, Bella spirals into a severe depression for months, practically giving up her life. They end up starting a romantic relationship again when Edward returns, and Bella reverts back to the person she was pre-Edward leaving (her life entirely focused and revolving around Edward).
Angel and Buffy have lives outside of their relationship. At the time of Buffy's death, Angel had built a Scooby-like team and friendship of his own, consisting of Cordelia, Gunn and Wesley. He had successfully started up Angel Investigations, and has saved numerous lives with the help of his friends. Angel deals with Buffy's death in an incredibly mature way, and is able to grieve and move on.
On the other hand, upon hearing that "Charlie is at the funeral," Edward jumps to conclusions and immediately decides to kill himself with no care for his family (Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rosalie) and with no consideration for their thoughts/feelings on the matter.
Buffy is not consumed by her love for Angel. See "Becoming Part 2." 'Nough said.
Bella is the polar opposite in this case.
While Angel and Edward are both broody, AtS allowed Angel to portray many different shades of his character. In addition, Angel himself is completely aware and often makes fun of his broodiness (not to mention many of the other characters do too).
After four books, Edward remained.. Broody Edward.
Angel and Buffy are a very romantic couple, but are, again, poked fun at; i.e. In AtS, Cordelia and Wesley mocking their reunion. This makes Angel and Buffy a more light-hearted couple.
Edward and Bella are never portrayed in this shade.
Individually, Angel and Buffy have character and personality and flaws and are far from perfect.
None of this describes Edward and Bella. Flat, dull, obsessive, vain and selfish does.
I could go on..
