Chapter 9

Chapter 9

​What had begun as a simple history experiment had became a fad that was spreading fast outside Ben’s class.

Ben Ross wasn't quite sure what to make of his

little experiment. Now students from other classes are joining

The wave and sitting in on history classes but despite the larger class size, the students are actually covering material quickly and efficiently. Everyone is well-prepared for class each day—but Ross is slightly perturbed by the automatic, unthinking answers his students spit back without any questioning or analysis, their answers are short and rote, devoid of thoughtfulness or personality.

​Question:

​What bothers Ben Ross?

​

​When Ross asks some of his students what they like most about The Wave, he is pleased to hear that the experiment has essentially erased social cliques and helped the students feel like they are “all equal.” He dreams of the possibilities The Wave could create, and envisions an article about himself in Time magazine lauding him for his advancements in education and discipline .Ben Ross, often nudges aside his personal fears and misgivings about his own experiment by imagining the individual glory and success he stands to achieve if The Wave works out the way he wants it to. Ross prioritizes himself over his students’ well-being in these moments. Groupthink and Coercion Theme Icon Equality vs. Independence Theme Icon During a staff meeting of the Grapevine, Laurie tells her writers that there are not enough stories for the upcoming issue, which is due out this week. Laurie urges her staff to come up with some more ideas for stories, and Carl suggests writing about The Wave, the “biggest story” in school lately. Laurie is nervous about writing about The Wave, as the thought of doing so gives her a “creepy” feeling. Nevertheless, she urges her student reporters to gather as much information as they can about The Wave, and find out what Gordon students are really saying about the experiment.

​Question:

​How does Ben Ross nudges aside his personal fears and misgivings about his own experiment?

​Laurie's mom walks in to her doing her homework. Mrs. Saunders tells Laurie about her meeting with Robert's mom at the supermarket, claiming that he has been transformed by The Wave. Mrs. Saunders doesn't trust something that could create such a drastic change, and claims that The Wave sounds a bit like a cult. Laurie calms her down and tells her that she thinks it's just a "fad" that will pass.

Multiple Choice

Why do you think The Wave has transformed Rebert the way it did?

• Robert thinks The wave will make him more popular, as he's seeking attention from his classmates.

• Robert's favorite teacher is Ben, and he wants to make a good impression.

• Robert finally feels like he's a part of something and is thrilled about it.

​Mrs. Saunders(Laurie’s mother) points out that she’s heard there is a Wave rally before the upcoming football game,

two hundred new Wave members will be "formally indoctrinate".

Laurie mom is acting paranoid But Laurie ensure her that the wave is just a game and Mr. Ross is a good teacher and won't let this get out of hand.

Laurie doesn't know why her close friend David and Amy got swapped in in something so immature but begs her mother not to blow things out of proportion

But Laurie begin to wonder if the wave really is "just a fad".

​Question:

​Why is Laurie's mother against The Wave?

Multiple Choice

According to Laurie, what is the only thing that bothers her about The Wave?

• They revoked her membership and made her an outcast.

• She can't believe so many kids are getting caught up in this immaturity.

• She dislikes having to be equals with Robert.

• Her boyfriend begun act weird.