Was Carlisle testing Edward when he had to suck out the.....

[Be My Escape]

I was reading through The Vote section of New Moon and I was wondering if Carlisle always knew that Bella would have to be changed. Then I was thinking about when Bella was bitten by James and Carlisle made Edward suck out the venom.

At that point was Carlisle testing Edward's strength?? Did Carlisle suspect that Edward was capable of drinking from Bella without killing her and wanted to prove it to Edward?

Carlisle was very insistant that Edward had to do it while he stiched up Bella's head. It would have been easy enough for them to switch after all Edward has been to medical school and could manage stitches and Carlisle would have easily been able to handle Bella's blood.

So my questions are: Did Caralisle know that Edward was strong enough to handle Bella's blood and trying to prove it to him by making him suck out the venom?

Was Carlisle testing Edward for the future, when he suspected that she might need to be changed

[YoursTruly]

I never thought of that. That's probably what it was... but even so, wouldn't that be a pretty big risk?

[LifesLittleTwist]

No I think it's because Edward has learned the most self-control with Bella. He's been around her so much and the scent of her blood, that Edward has gotten used to restraining himself. Carlisle just did stitches because that's his instinct as a doctor. How long has it been since Edward was in medical school? He could be out of shape a little bit. It was a dire situation, and Carlisle just must've been thinking really quickly and guessed that Edward must have the most self-control towards Bella out of all of the family.

[bbbailey]

Actually, I like that theory a lot, Be My Escape!

Im not so sure it had anything to do with changing Bella in the future, but i definately agree that Carlisle was trying to prove to Edward that he is stronger than he thinks and show him that Bella is safe with him...Edward is just so stubborn that he would have to go to the extreme to realize it, and Carlisle probably new that.

[Mayde]

I think that Carlisle had to take care of Bella's other wounds. I agree with LifesLittleTwist. When was the last time Edward was in medical school? We know that he's been there twice, but no matter which way you look at it, Carlisle has WAY more experience. Bella had broken ribs, a broken leg, and a gash in her head. Carlisle had to tend to Bella if she was to stay human. If Edward wanted her to be a vampire, Carlisle would have bitten her mulitple times to accelerate the change. However, Edward wanted her human. So either Edward or Alice had to suck the venom out. It had to be Edward since he has to most self-control (I don't know if Alice could. I believe that she never drank directly from a human before. So her reaction would be more unpredictable than Edward's) So Edward was the best option. Also, it would be more romantic/entertaining if Edward saved her, at least from a reader's point of view

[twix]

I think Stephenie said somewhere that Edward never actually worked with people during his medical school training. So he may have the knowledge but not the experience. Am I right in thinking this? Also I do think Carlisie was letting Edward make the choice about Bella's mortality. I think when it comes to Bella Carlisie had respected Edwards decisions. Carlisie was doing his part to make sure Bella was strong enough to survive no matter what Edward picked.

[Lena Bergel]

I think Stephenie said somewhere that Edward never actually worked with people during his medical school training. So he may have the knowledge but not the experience. Am I right in thinking this? Also I do think Carlisie was letting Edward make the choice about Bella's mortality. I think when it comes to Bella Carlisie had respected Edwards decisions. Carlisie was doing his part to make sure Bella was strong enough to survive no matter what Edward picked.

I agree with that, mostly.

Also, I don't really think Edward was in the right emotional state to be doing medical procedures on anyone, let alone Bella. He was sobbing and yelling, you know. Carlisle had to take care of Bella, and Edward if he chose to, had to get himself together enough to try and suck the venom out. If that makes sense.

[cami1219]

I never thought of that! but I really really like that Idea...and it seems like a very Carlisle thing to do...probably he already knew Edwrad was strong enough, but he was just trying to prove to edward that he was strong enough...

or maybe...it was Stephenie's way of showing us that Edward can handle it-just a thought.

[BELLALUVSED]

I agreee

[Soria]

So my questions are: Did Caralisle know that Edward was strong enough to handle Bella's blood and trying to prove it to him by making him suck out the venom?

Was Carlisle testing Edward for the future, when he suspected that she might need to be changed

I do think that he knew Edward was strong enough. i think that he wanted Edward to know he was strong enough. I also have to agree with you when you said that they could have just as easily switched places.. but i think Carlisle wanted Edward to show himself that he is able to drink out her venom/blood.

But if Carlisle was preparing Edward for the future when Bella would have to be changed, why didn't he just let her be changed when James bit her?
..
Hmm i guess because it would be to noticiable for the school and for Charlie and Renee and Bella wouldnt have her say it in..
Though we all know what she would have said.
Hmm.. any thoughts?