Looks like. But he is fully an adult man. An adult man who exploits a teenager who has been caretaking her parents who entire life, who is so happy to have finally found someone who can take care of her. And wants to care for her, obsessively- to the point of stalking her. This adult man who is CERTAIN that Bella will lose her soul if she becomes a vampire, but he can't resist her. He can't stop himself. He can't help it, you see, not because he's a sicko who needs therapy but because their relationship is destiny.
Hey, if we were all reading this book and having in depth discussions of how horrible Edward is, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But the majority of people reading this book seem to think this is romantic and something to seek for.
I've discussed this book with a number of adult, female fans and not one of them disputes any of my points. They just excuse it because "it's just a book".
If people were lionizing Voldemort instead of Harry, I'd be disturbed about that too.
I get what you’re saying and again all I can say is my main concern is my kids. I have no control over anyone else or how anyone else parents their kids.
I know adult moms who read these books and love them and hate that I call Bella an insipid little twit. Or that I don’t find Edward or any of the male characters the least bit attractive (physically or otherwise).
I don’t know if the majority reading these books and watching the movie(s) think and feel that it’s “romantic” or will end up seeking this once they become adults.