The Wave by Morton Rhue

Part A of your assessment task:

 A PETAL/PEEL paragraph addressing this question:
How has Morton Rhue explored the historical event, The Holocaust,
in his novel, The Wave? (100-150 words)

Themes:
1. Fascism
2. Individualism vs. community
3. Propaganda
4. Anti-semitism – Racism against Jews
5. Resistance/Dissent – opposition
 The Wave by Morton Rhue
Theme: Fascism Group: ___________________________________________________________________
What is this theme about?

Quote Context of quote Technique Analysis

(Write the sentence from the
novel using “quotation marks”)
1. “Strength through Discipline”
(Chapter 5)
(What is happening for this to be
said? - from the novel)
Motto that Mr Ross introduces
to the class.
(Which literary technique
is used in this quote?)
Aphorism
An aphorism is a concise
statement that is made in a
matter of fact tone to state a
principle or an opinion that is
generally understood to be a
universal truth.
(Explain the quote in terms of the theme)
The motto, “STRENGTH THROUGH
DISCIPLINE” is introduced to the class by Mr
Ross to help his students understand the
fascist thoughts. The motto acts as an
aphorism which becomes an embedded
belief in the student’s movement, The Wave.

2.

3.

4.
5.
 The Wave by Morton Rhue
Theme: Individual VS. Community Group: ___________________________________________________________________
What is this theme about?

Quote Context of quote Technique Analysis

(Write the sentence from the
novel using “quotation marks”)
1. “You’re a movement, a team, a
cause.”
(p.41)
(What is happening for this to be
said? - from the novel)
Mr Ross teaches the class about
community
(Which literary technique (Explain the quote in terms of the theme)
is used in this quote?)
Accumulation The idea of community is strengthened and
emphasised through Mr Ross’ teachings. He
states, “You’re a movement, a team, a
cause.” To highlight the positive and crucial
qualities of a community to his history class.

2.

3.
4.

5.

Theme: Propaganda Group: ___________________________________________________________________
What is this theme about?
Quote
(Write the sentence from the
novel using “quotation marks”)
1. “Now you will all have
membership cards” (chapter 8)
2.
3.
The Wave by Morton Rhue
Context of quote
(What is happening for this to be
said? - from the novel)
Mr Ross had distributed yellow
membership cards for “The
Wave” movement.
Technique Analysis
(Which literary technique (Explain the quote in terms of the theme)
is used in this quote?)
High modality – “you will” The membership cards are an example of
propaganda, “Now you will all have
membership cards.” Mr Ross does not ask
the students if they would like to join but
distributes them as if the class should be
honoured. The use of high modality in, “you
will” emphasises the fact that the students
do not have a choice.
4.

5.

Theme: Anti-Semitism
What is this theme about?
Quote
(Write the sentence from the
novel using “quotation marks”)
1.
“Mrs Saunders was not amused.
‘Honey, just remember that the
popular thing is not always the
right thing.’” (Mrs Saunders,
Chapter 7)
2.
3.
The Wave by Morton Rhue
Group: ___________________________________________________________________
Context of quote Technique Analysis
(What is happening for this to be (Which literary technique (Explain the quote in terms of the theme)
said? - from the novel) is used in this quote?)
Laurie told her mother about the Repetition By stating, “the popular thing is not always
activity undertaken in class – the right thing” Mrs Saunders highlights the
The Wave. problem of the activity, The Wave, and
contextually refers to history, the holocaust.
The “popular thing” of the “militaristic”
activity is controversial and Mrs Saunders is
afraid of the consequences of using anti-
semitism thinking.
4.

5.