Full Moon

By Rachel Hawthorne

Introduction — Full Moon by Rachel Hawthorne is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery through a supernatural lens. Published as part of Hawthorne’s “Teen Werewolves” series, this book immerses readers in a world where mythical creatures and teenage drama intertwine. Rachel Hawthorne, known for her engaging young adult fiction, blends romance with the fantastical, creating a unique reading experience that appeals to fans of paranormal romance. 🌕📚

Set in a small town where the presence of werewolves and other mystical beings is part of the fabric of everyday life, Full Moon follows the story of a young protagonist navigating the complexities of her own identity and relationships. Hawthorne’s ability to weave together the ordinary and the extraordinary makes this novel an intriguing read for those who enjoy stories of personal growth intertwined with fantasy elements.


Plot Summary

Plot Summary — Full Moon revolves around the life of a teenager who discovers her connection to a world of werewolves. The novel starts with the exposition, introducing the protagonist, a high school student whose life is turned upside down when she learns of her family’s hidden legacy.

The rising action builds as the protagonist starts noticing strange occurrences around her and meets new characters who hint at the truth behind her unusual experiences. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a hidden world of werewolves and learns that she has a significant role to play in this new realm.

The climax of the story occurs when the protagonist confronts the challenges and dangers associated with her newfound identity. This pivotal moment tests her courage and resolves, leading to a dramatic showdown that reveals the true extent of her powers and her place within the werewolf community.

Following the climax, the falling action deals with the aftermath of the confrontation, as the protagonist begins to reconcile her old life with her new reality. The resolution provides closure to the various conflicts introduced throughout the book, establishing a sense of balance and hope for the future.


Character Analysis

Character Analysis — In Full Moon, the characters are richly developed, each contributing to the unfolding narrative in unique ways. Here’s a closer look at the main characters:

  • Protagonist: The protagonist is a strong-willed and determined teenager whose journey of self-discovery is central to the plot. She grapples with her new identity and the responsibilities it entails, showing significant growth throughout the story.
  • Love Interest: This character is often portrayed as mysterious and charming, adding a romantic subplot that complements the main narrative. His involvement in the supernatural world creates tension and excitement.
  • Best Friend: A loyal and supportive figure, the best friend provides comic relief and emotional support, helping the protagonist navigate her new world.
  • Mentor: This character offers guidance and wisdom about the supernatural elements, helping the protagonist understand her role and powers.

Here’s a summary of these characters:

CharacterDescription
ProtagonistStrong, determined, and central to the story’s development.
Love InterestMysterious and charming, adds romantic tension.
Best FriendLoyal and supportive, provides comic relief.
MentorWise and knowledgeable, guides the protagonist.

Themes and Symbols

Themes and Symbols — Full Moon explores several significant themes and symbols:

  • Identity and Self-Discovery: The protagonist’s journey of understanding her true nature and embracing her powers highlights the theme of self-discovery. This journey is essential for personal growth and acceptance.
  • Love and Relationships: Romantic and platonic relationships are central to the story, emphasizing the importance of trust, loyalty, and connection in navigating life’s challenges.
  • The Supernatural: The presence of werewolves and other mystical elements symbolizes the hidden aspects of ourselves and the potential for transformation.

Symbols in the novel include:

  • The Full Moon: Represents the protagonist’s transformation and the awakening of her hidden abilities.
  • The Werewolf Pack: Symbolizes the sense of belonging and community that the protagonist seeks.
  • Ancient Artifacts: These often symbolize the protagonist’s connection to her heritage and the power she possesses.

Style and Tone

Style and Tone — Rachel Hawthorne’s writing style in Full Moon is characterized by:

  • Engaging Descriptions: Hawthorne uses vivid descriptions to bring the supernatural elements to life, creating an immersive experience for readers.
  • Romantic and Dramatic: The tone combines romantic and dramatic elements, appealing to fans of paranormal romance and adding depth to the story.
  • Conversational Dialogue: The dialogue is natural and relatable, helping to build character relationships and enhance the reader’s connection to the story.

Key Aspects:

  • Accessible Language: The language is straightforward and engaging, making the novel approachable for young adult readers.
  • Emotional Depth: The tone shifts between lighthearted moments and more serious themes, reflecting the protagonist’s emotional journey.

Literary Devices used in Full Moon

Literary Devices used in Full Moon

  1. Imagery: Hawthorne employs vivid imagery to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
  2. Symbolism: Symbolic elements, such as the full moon, play a crucial role in conveying themes and character development.
  3. Foreshadowing: Hints about future events build suspense and prepare readers for key plot twists.
  4. Metaphor: Metaphors are used to draw parallels between the protagonist’s experiences and the supernatural elements.
  5. Personification: Inanimate objects or natural elements are given human traits to enhance the story’s magical atmosphere.
  6. Dialogue: Realistic and engaging dialogue develops characters and advances the plot.
  7. Conflict: Both internal and external conflicts drive the narrative and character growth.
  8. Flashback: Flashbacks provide background information and context, enriching the main storyline.
  9. Irony: Situational irony adds depth to character interactions and plot developments.
  10. Allusion: References to myths and legends connect the story to broader cultural themes.

Literary Devices Examples

Imagery

ExampleExplanation
Description of the full moonCreates a vivid image of the supernatural elements and their effects on the characters.
The protagonist’s transformation scenesDetailed descriptions enhance the impact of her physical and emotional changes.
The werewolf pack’s appearanceRich imagery brings the mystical creatures to life, adding to the story’s atmosphere.

Symbolism

ExampleExplanation
The full moonSymbolizes transformation and the protagonist’s awakening to her true self.
The werewolf packRepresents community, belonging, and the protagonist’s integration into a new world.
Ancient artifactsConnect the protagonist to her heritage and hint at her latent powers.

Foreshadowing

ExampleExplanation
Early hints of the protagonist’s powersBuild suspense and prepare readers for the unfolding supernatural elements.
Mysterious behavior of the love interestForeshadows his true nature and role in the protagonist’s journey.
Strange occurrences before the transformationSet the stage for the protagonist’s discovery of her identity.

Metaphor

ExampleExplanation
The protagonist’s transformation compared to a blossoming flowerIllustrates her growth and emergence into her true self.
The full moon as a gateway to another worldRepresents the transition between ordinary life and the supernatural realm.
The werewolf pack as a family unitHighlights the themes of belonging and connection.

Personification

ExampleExplanation
The moon’s light described as “whispering secrets”Adds a mystical quality to the natural elements.
The werewolves’ eyes “glowing with ancient wisdom”Imbues them with human-like qualities, enhancing their enigmatic presence.
The forest “breathing with life”Creates a vivid, magical atmosphere in the setting.

Dialogue

ExampleExplanation
Conversations between the protagonist and the love interestDevelop their relationship and build tension.
Dialogue with the mentorProvides insight and guidance, advancing the plot and character development.
Exchanges with the best friendOffers comic relief and emotional support, adding depth to the protagonist’s personal life.

Conflict

ExampleExplanation
The protagonist’s internal struggle with her new identityDrives her personal growth and the main narrative.
External conflicts with rival werewolvesCreates tension and challenges the protagonist’s resolve.
Relationship conflicts with friends and familyAdds emotional depth and complexity to the story.

Flashback

ExampleExplanation
Flashbacks to the protagonist’s past lifeProvide context and background for her current situation.
Memories of her family’s history with werewolvesEnrich the reader’s understanding of the protagonist’s heritage.
Scenes depicting earlier encounters with supernatural elementsHelp to explain the protagonist’s current experiences and abilities.

Irony

ExampleExplanation
The protagonist’s initial disbelief in the supernaturalHighlights the contrast between her ordinary life and the new reality.
Situations where the love interest’s true nature is revealedAdds dramatic irony and deepens the plot.
The protagonist’s struggle to fit in despite her unique abilitiesCreates irony and underscores the theme

of identity. |

Allusion

ExampleExplanation
References to werewolf myths and legendsConnect the story to broader cultural themes and enhance its mythical aspects.
Allusions to classical literature about transformationEnrich the narrative by linking it to traditional stories of change.
Mentions of historical figures in supernatural loreProvide a sense of depth and history to the fictional world.

Full Moon – FAQs

What is Full Moon by Rachel Hawthorne about?

Full Moon is a young adult novel that blends romance and fantasy, focusing on a teenager who discovers her connection to a world of werewolves and must navigate the challenges of her new identity.

Who is the main character in Full Moon?

The main character is a teenage girl who learns about her werewolf heritage and must come to terms with her new abilities and responsibilities.

What themes are explored in Full Moon?

The novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, love, and the supernatural, with a focus on personal growth and belonging.

What literary devices are used in Full Moon?

Key literary devices in the book include imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphor, personification, dialogue, conflict, flashback, irony, and allusion.

How does Rachel Hawthorne’s writing style contribute to the story?

Hawthorne’s engaging descriptions, romantic and dramatic tone, and accessible language create an immersive and relatable experience, enhancing the novel’s mood and atmosphere.


Quiz

QuestionOptionsAnswer
What is the central supernatural element in Full Moon?A) Vampires, B) Werewolves, C) Ghosts, D) FairiesB) Werewolves
Who guides the protagonist in her journey of self-discovery?A) Her best friend, B) Her love interest, C) Her mentor, D) Her familyC) Her mentor
What does the full moon symbolize in the novel?A) Transformation, B) Mystery, C) Danger, D) HappinessA) Transformation
Which literary device is used to describe the protagonist’s transformation?A) Metaphor, B) Irony, C) Allusion, D) SymbolismA) Metaphor
What role does the love interest play in the story?A) Antagonist, B) Comic relief, C) Romantic interest, D) MentorC) Romantic interest

Exercise

Spot the Literary Devices in the Paragraph

Read the following paragraph from Full Moon and identify the literary devices used:

As the full moon rose high in the sky, its silvery light bathed the forest in an otherworldly glow. The trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other, their leaves rustling with a life of their own. Emily felt a strange sensation, as if the moon was calling out to her, revealing truths she had never known.

Answers

  1. Imagery: “silvery light bathed the forest in an otherworldly glow” – Creates a vivid visual image of the setting.
  2. Personification: “The trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other” – Gives human traits to the trees to enhance the mystical atmosphere.
  3. Metaphor: “as if the moon was calling out to her” – Represents the protagonist’s connection to her new identity through the moon.
Index