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The Wave Study Guide

Ben Ross implements an experiment called "The Wave" in his classroom to help students understand how the German people felt during the rise of Hitler. The Wave starts as a way to promote discipline, unity, and strength, but it grows in intensity. As more students join, it begins to take on cult-like behaviors and opposition grows. Ross ends the experiment by revealing The Wave's true leader was Hitler to show how easily such movements can spiral out of control. The book warns about the dangers of blind obedience, excessive conformity, and intolerance.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
345 views3 pages

The Wave Study Guide

Ben Ross implements an experiment called "The Wave" in his classroom to help students understand how the German people felt during the rise of Hitler. The Wave starts as a way to promote discipline, unity, and strength, but it grows in intensity. As more students join, it begins to take on cult-like behaviors and opposition grows. Ross ends the experiment by revealing The Wave's true leader was Hitler to show how easily such movements can spiral out of control. The book warns about the dangers of blind obedience, excessive conformity, and intolerance.

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noa
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Wave Study Guide – Noa de Neve 4G

1. Where does the opening scene take place? What does it tell you about the character Laurie?
The opening scene takes place in the publication’s office. It tells that Laurie a writer for the school
paper (The Grapevine) at Gordon High School.

2. What is Ben Ross’ reputation as a teacher and how does it change when the Wave
is introduced.
Ben Ross was considered as an outstanding young teacher who was liked by the students. His
reputation changed to a powerful leader rather than a teacher.

3. What concerns does Ben Ross have about his students?


He is worried because the students are never motivated and are always sloppy.

4. Analyse the metaphor about Robert Billings, “Gordon High’s very own
untouchable.” What does it mean?
That he doesn’t fit in with the other students in Gordon High.

5. Contrast Laurie and David’s reaction to the film about Hitler


Laurie was very shocked and upset. Especially because no one did anything about the Nazi’s. David
was distraught too, but not as much.

6. What is bothering Ross, and what does he intend to do about it?


Laurie asked why the Germans sat back while the Nazis slaughtered people, and he couldn’t really
answer that question. That bothered him, so he wanted to do an experiment (The Wave) so the
students could experience what the Nazis experienced.

7. How does Ross’ wife describe him?


Ross’ wife says that when Ross is involved with something, he becomes utterly absorbed in it to the
point that communication is impossible.

8. How does Ross plan to implement his idea to recreate a situation similar to Hitler’s
control in Germany?
He starts an experiment: The Wave. The Wave is focused on discipline, unity and power. He will
‘portray’ Hitler, as he is the leader of The Wave.

9. What is the significance of the statement about Robert Billings, “The new head of
the class”?
It’s weird, because before The Wave, Robert wouldn’t be the head of the class. He was considered as
a ‘loser’.

10.Why does David want to introduce The Wave to the football team?
He thinks that if the football team act more like a unity, they will perform better as a team and will
win games.

11.Do the techniques of The Wave strengthen the football team?


Not really, since they lost massively against Clarkstown.

12.What is the motto of The Wave?


Strength through Discipline, Strength Through Community, Strength through Action.
13.What are Mrs. Saunders’ concerns about The Wave?
Mrs. Saunders is worried that the students won’t be able to think for themselves and that they’ll
blindly follow their leader.

14. How does Laurie feel about her mother’s concerns?


She thinks her mother is overreacting (at first).

15.What are some positive aspects of the Wave that Mr. Ross wants to continue?
Everyone should continue to work as a team, and everyone should continue to be treated equally.

16.Explain the foreshadowing statement “Sometimes they (young, impressionable


kids) can take something too far if they’re not watched.”
If Mr. Ross didn’t end The Wave, then the members of it would’ve taken It too far. They were too
involved in it to even think about ending it. That’s why it was a good thing that Mr. Ross ended the
experiment.

17.Why does Ross allow Robert to become his bodyguard?


Mostly because Robert used to be a withdrawn and unconfident boy who now felt as he was a part
of something. Also because it’s a part of the experiment.

18.Why did Brian and Deutsch fight? What was David’s explanation of it?
Brian and Deutsch fought because Deutsch said that The Wave is stupid. However, David said that
Deutsch is a jerk who has been after Brian’s position in the football team for years and that the fight
was nothing more than an incident.

19.What impact do the Grapevine articles have on Gordon High?


It made people realize that The Wave wasn’t that perfect and organized as it seemed like, and that it
wasn’t that great.

20.Analyze the symbolism of Laurie “standing alone in the library” after Amy gets
angry during their discussion and leaves.
She was alone, not only physically but mentally. David had left her, and so did her best friend just
now. She had to fight against the members of The Wave alone.

21.Do you think Laurie’s fear as she leaves the high school at night is justified or
not?
I think so, the aggressive attitude from the members of The Wave was a bit scary. Although I don’t
think anyone was following her.

22.Describe how Mr. Ross ends the Wave.


Mr. Ross tricked students into thinking there was going to a be a rally for Wave members only. He
was going to announce who their real leader was. At the fake rally, he reveals that their real leader
had ben ‘Hitler’ all along. It makes them realize how easy it is to get corrupted such movement, and
that they need to be careful.

23.Did Ross/The Wave influence Robert Billings? If yes, describe how.


Yes, Robert felt as if he was a part of something strong. He was finally treated equally.
24.List three social messages that are communicated through this book and describe
them.
1 – Always think individually and don’t follow other people before thinking yourself.
2 – Too much discipline is dangerous and unhealthy.
3 – It’s always better to treat everyone around you equally.

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