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The Wave Symbolism

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The Wave by Morton Rhue explores ideas about power; specifically how they have been explored through the use of stylistic features and language. This is primarily seen by how individuals such as Ben Ross and Robert Billings and how they gain and lose power. Rhue uses Robert Billings to show how and individual can change as they gain and lose power. The symbolism of the wave is used to show how good intentions can turn into a destructive force. From the beginning to the end of the wave we see how the school becomes setting to show the all-consuming nature of power.
Throughout The Wave we see how power can change an individual. This is evident through the power of the individuals in Mr. Ross’s classroom which is a setting that shows the hierarchy between the students. The students who possess the least power in this hierarchy become the outcasts of the classroom. Rhue uses the …show more content…

This is evident through the power of the wave which becomes a symbol of equality and removes the hierarchy between the students. However, this brings forth the idea that it is okay for anyone outside the wave to be bullied and harassed. Ben Ross describes the wave as just a “classroom experiment” to show his good intentions however the “classroom experiment” quickly turned into something much more sinister. Mr Suanders tells Laurie “Today after school a boy was beaten up” he continues to say “apparently there was some kind of rally at school today, and he resisted joining this wave game” which shows that the wave has formed into a group that eliminates anybody who opposes them. This means that something as innocent as a classroom experiment can develop into something as threatening as the wave. Rhue has pointed out that you can have good intentions however you must not forget the

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