The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a GREAT example of steadily growing suspense. The author uses multiple perspectives to keep the reader in the loop about impending danger. All of this culminates in a climax that is so straightforward it could be the quintessential example of climax. In short, you could use this book as your mentor text for both suspense and climax.
Building Suspense Through Multiple Perspectives
The reader is aware of growing danger for each character because we have access to multiple perspectives. The characters, on the other hand, are trapped inside their own perspectives, so they don’t see the danger coming, at least not as well as the reader. This contributes to suspense.
Here are some ways that multiple perspectives contribute to suspense in The Girl Who Drank the Moon:
- We know from Glerk & Xan’s perspectives that Fyrian is not as big as he thinks he is (we expect him to either grow, or feel betrayed).
- We know from Luna’s perspective that her emerging magic coincides with the Day of Sacrifice and the erupting volcano.
- We know from Xan’s perspective that she is the sparrow Antain injures while looking for the witch.
- We know from Antain’s perspective that Xan & Luna are in danger of being mistaken for the witch (and punished accordingly).
- We know from the Madwomen’s perspective (while she is disguised as a beetle) that Ignatia plans to kill Antain.
All of this becomes important as the main characters venture into the forest toward the end of the book. The characters know they will face danger, but we (the readers) can name the particular dangers they will face. Our special knowledge, developed through multiple perspectives, creates suspense as we near the climax.
Converging Storylines Culminate in the Climax
Ultimately, all the of the main characters meet face-to-face during the climax. Each of the characters have left their home to meet in the forest. After this meeting identities are revealed (Ignatia as the villain, Luna as a witch, Xan as the rescuer, Madwoman as Luna’s mother), everything is transformed:
- The landscape is transformed by the volcano.
- Antain is no longer afraid of the yearly sacrifice.
- The Star Children are reunited with original parents.
- The Protectorate is under new leadership.
- Gherland is imprisoned.
- Luna is restored to her mother and given a home in the Protectorate.
- Xan dies and is taken to the bog.
- The madwoman is given a name and is no longer trapped in the tower.
Simple definitions of climax usually include “emotional high point,” or “turning point.” This book is a great example of climax because each of the main characters experience an overt and obvious transformation because of the climax.
Have you read this book with your class? How did you draw out literary devices like suspense and climax?
This is a series for teachers who are reading The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill with their students. You’ll read about focusing your novel study around major literary devices found in the book. If you’re looking for activities to go with the book, you can preview my novel study here.
