The Wave by Todd Strasser (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of The Wave by Todd Strasser. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including power, corruption and fear. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 56-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Todd Strasser
• Presentation of The Wave
• Summary of The Wave
• Character study
  • Laurie Saunders
  • Amy Smith
  • Ben Ross
  • Robert Billings
  • David Collins
  • Brad
  • Carl Block and Alex Cooper
  • Principal Owens
  • The anonymous letter-writer
• Analysis of The Wave
  • Nazism
  • The concept of the group in social psychology
  • The duty of memory: remembering and understanding

About The Wave

The Wave was first published in 1981. It is based on real events and tells the story of Ben Ross, a history teacher who decides to conduct an experiment to demonstrate the power of fascist ideology and explain the attitude of the German people during the Second World War. However, the experiment soon spirals out of control as it spreads beyond the classroom and attracts an ever-growing number of adherents.

The Wave tackles a number of sensitive themes, including power, corruption and fitting in. By drawing parallels with Nazism, the novel also highlights the very real danger of history repeating itself.

About Todd Strasser

Todd Strasser is an American writer who was born in New York in 1950. He has written over 100 novels, mostly in the young adult genre. He has also written a number of works of non-fiction, as well as several books under the pseudonyms Morton Rhue and T.S. Rue. His books tackle a range of problems and concerns specific to teenagers. The Wave is possibly his greatest success, although his series Help! I’m Trapped… is also very popular.

However, literature has not been Strasser’s only venture in life. In the late 1970s, he opened up his own fortune cookie business, with one major difference – his fortunes were far raunchier than those found in the average cookie. He has two children.