The Wave is a novel by Todd Strasser that was published in 1981. It is a fictional story that explores the topic of fascism and how it can take over a society. The story is set in a high school in California and follows a history teacher who creates a social movement called “The Wave” to teach his students about the dangers of fascism.
The Wave is an allegory that uses the story of a high school social experiment to explore the dangers of groupthink and the power of propaganda. The novel is based on a real-life experiment that took place in a California high school in 1969, and it has been used as a teaching tool in classrooms around the world. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following authority and the importance of independent thinking.
Origins of “The Wave”
Historical Context
“The Wave” is a novel that was first published in 1981 by Todd Strasser. The book is set in a high school in California and centers around a history teacher, Ben Ross, who creates a social movement called “The Wave.” The movement is meant to demonstrate the power of groupthink and conformity, but it quickly spirals out of control and takes on a life of its own.
The historical context of “The Wave” is the aftermath of World War II and the rise of fascism in Europe. The book is based on a true story that occurred in a high school in Palo Alto, California in the late 1960s. The teacher in that story, Ron Jones, created a social movement called “The Third Wave” to teach his students about the dangers of fascism and the importance of individuality.
Author’s Background
Todd Strasser, the author of “The Wave,” was born in New York City in 1950. He began writing at a young age and has since written over 140 books for children and young adults. Strasser was inspired to write “The Wave” after hearing about the true story of “The Third Wave” from a friend who had been a student in Ron Jones’ class.
Strasser’s goal in writing “The Wave” was to raise awareness about the dangers of conformity and groupthink. He wanted to show young people that it is important to think for themselves and to question authority. The book has since become a classic and is often taught in schools as a way to teach students about the dangers of fascism and the importance of individuality.
Plot Overview
Setting the Scene
The Wave by Todd Strasser is a young adult novel that tells the story of a high school history teacher, Ben Ross, who creates an experimental social movement called “The Wave” in his class. The story is set in a fictional high school in California during the late 1970s. The students in Mr. Ross’s history class are diverse, representing different cliques and backgrounds. Laurie Saunders, the editor of the school newspaper, is one of the main characters, along with her best friend Amy Smith.
Rising Action
The novel’s rising action begins when Mr. Ross shows his class a documentary about the Holocaust. The students are horrified by the atrocities committed by the Nazis and struggle to understand how such evil could exist. Mr. Ross decides to create a social experiment to show his class how easily people can be manipulated into following a charismatic leader. He creates a set of rules and symbols for “The Wave” and encourages his students to join.
As “The Wave” gains popularity, students who were previously outcasts find acceptance and a sense of belonging. However, the movement quickly becomes dangerous, with members using violence and intimidation to enforce its rules. Laurie and a few other students begin to question the morality of “The Wave” and its leader, Mr. Ross.
Climax and Resolution
The climax of the novel occurs when “The Wave” becomes so powerful that it takes over the entire school. The members of “The Wave” begin to target and harass those who refuse to join. Laurie and her friends decide to take action and expose the true nature of “The Wave” to the school. They create a newspaper article that reveals the dangers of blindly following a leader and the importance of free thinking.
In the end, “The Wave” is disbanded, and Mr. Ross realizes the dangerous consequences of his experiment. The novel ends with a sense of hope, as the students learn the importance of individuality and the dangers of conformity.
Themes and Symbols
Power and Authority
One of the central themes of “The Wave” is the corrupting influence of power and authority. The Wave movement, started by the teacher Ben Ross, quickly gains momentum and becomes a symbol of power and authority in the school. The students who join the movement become more aggressive and authoritarian, and they begin to use their power to bully and intimidate those who do not conform to their beliefs. This theme is a powerful allegory for the dangers of totalitarianism and the need for checks and balances in any system of power.
Peer Pressure
Another important theme of “The Wave” is the power of peer pressure. The students who join the movement are initially motivated by a desire to fit in with their peers and be part of something larger than themselves. However, as the movement gains momentum, the pressure to conform becomes more intense, and those who do not join the movement are ostracized and bullied. This theme is a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality and the dangers of blindly following the crowd.
Individual vs Society
A third theme of “The Wave” is the conflict between the individual and society. The students who join the movement are initially motivated by a desire to be part of a larger community, but as the movement gains momentum, they begin to lose their individuality and become part of a mindless collective. This theme is a powerful allegory for the dangers of sacrificing individuality for the sake of conformity. It is a reminder that true freedom and autonomy can only be achieved by valuing and protecting individual rights and freedoms.
In addition to these themes, “The Wave” is also rich in symbolism. The central symbol of the movement is, of course, the wave itself. The wave is a powerful metaphor for the power of group dynamics and the dangers of blindly following the crowd. Other symbols in the book include the school bell, which represents the power of authority, and the school newspaper, which represents the importance of free speech and independent thought.
Character Analysis
Main Protagonist
The main protagonist of “The Wave” is Ben Ross, a high school history teacher who creates a social experiment in his class to demonstrate how easily people can be manipulated by a strong leader. Ben is a well-respected teacher who is passionate about his subject and his students. He is determined to make a difference in their lives and help them understand the dangers of blindly following authority figures. Throughout the novel, Ben struggles with the consequences of his experiment and the impact it has on his students.
Supporting Characters
Laurie Saunders is one of the supporting characters in “The Wave”. She is a popular student who is initially intrigued by the experiment, but becomes increasingly concerned as it takes on a life of its own. Laurie is a strong-willed individual who is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge authority. She becomes a key figure in the fight against the movement and helps to dismantle it.
Alex and Eric are two other supporting characters who resist the influence of The Wave and help Ben in dismantling it. Alex is a practical joker who reviews music for The Grapevine, while Eric is a football player at Gordon High. Both characters are portrayed as independent thinkers who are not afraid to question authority.
Robert Billings is another supporting character who is portrayed as the school loser. Ben believes that Robert’s problem is that he is living in the shadow of his ultra-popular brother, who used to attend Gordon High. Despite his initial involvement in The Wave, Robert eventually realizes the dangers of the movement and helps to bring it down.
Allegorical Significance
Comparisons to Real-World Events
“The Wave” is an allegory that draws parallels to real-world events, specifically the rise of fascism in Germany during the 1930s. The novel explores how a seemingly innocent experiment can quickly spiral out of control and become dangerous, just as the Nazi party rose to power in Germany. The students’ blind obedience to their leader, Mr. Ross, echoes the blind obedience of German citizens to Hitler and his regime. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conformity and the importance of critical thinking.
Moral Lessons
“The Wave” also teaches important moral lessons about the dangers of conformity, the importance of individuality, and the power of peer pressure. The novel shows how easily people can be swayed by charismatic leaders and how dangerous it can be when individuals give up their autonomy to follow the crowd. The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against the group. The novel also highlights the importance of questioning authority and thinking for oneself, rather than blindly accepting what one is told.
Educational Implications
Classroom Use
The allegory of “The Wave” can be used in a classroom setting to teach students about the dangers of groupthink and the importance of critical thinking. Teachers can use this allegory to demonstrate how easily individuals can be influenced by group dynamics and lose sight of their own values and beliefs. Additionally, this story can be used to teach students about the dangers of blindly following authority figures and the importance of questioning those in positions of power.
Discussion Points
There are several key discussion points that can be addressed when using “The Wave” as an educational tool. These include the dangers of groupthink, the importance of individuality and critical thinking, and the role of authority figures in shaping our beliefs and behaviors.
Teachers can guide discussions by asking students questions such as: How does groupthink affect our ability to think critically? What are some examples of authority figures who have abused their power? How can we maintain our individuality while still being part of a group? These questions can help students to engage with the themes presented in the allegory and to develop their own opinions on these important topics.
Cultural Impact
Literature and Media
The Wave has had a significant impact on literature and media. The allegory has been referenced in numerous books, movies, and TV shows. For instance, in the popular TV show The 100, the character Bellamy Blake references The Wave when he says, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This quote is a variation of a quote attributed to Edmund Burke, but it also reflects the message of The Wave.
Furthermore, in the novel The Wave by Morton Rhue, the author explores the dangers of conformity and the power of group mentality. The book is based on a true story of a high school history teacher who conducted an experiment to demonstrate to his students how the Nazis were able to gain power in Germany. The experiment spirals out of control and the students become violent and oppressive. The Wave has become a staple in high school curriculums and continues to be relevant today.
Public Perception
The Wave has also had an impact on public perception. The allegory has been used to explain how ordinary people can be manipulated into doing terrible things. It has been used to explain how dictators and oppressive regimes are able to maintain power. The Wave has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of group mentality and the importance of individual thought.
Moreover, The Wave has been used to promote anti-bullying campaigns in schools. The story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of bullying and the importance of standing up for oneself and others. The Wave has become a symbol of the fight against oppression and conformity.
Critical Reception
“The Wave” by Morton Rhue has garnered both praise and criticism for its use of allegory to explore the themes of conformity, power, and manipulation. The novel has been widely read and studied in schools across the world, making it a popular choice for educators looking to spark discussions about these important topics.
Many readers have praised Rhue’s ability to create a compelling story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The novel’s use of allegory to explore the dangers of blindly following authority has been particularly well-received, with many readers finding the story to be a powerful warning against the dangers of groupthink.
However, some critics have argued that the novel’s portrayal of high school students as easily manipulated and prone to violence is unrealistic and even harmful. Others have criticized the novel’s simplistic portrayal of authority figures as uniformly corrupt and power-hungry.