The Wave

Ben is conflicted as students from other classes begin attending his history class. Even with greater numbers and the potential distractions of more students with less space, however, the classwork stays on schedule. The students prepare well, but they don’t analyze the material; instead, they produce facts as if mere recitation is the goal. They work harder on their assignments so that they can spend more time on The Wave, which disturbs Ben. In addition, he’s anxious about The Wave meshing with the football team, although the coach, Norm Schiller, thanked Ben for introducing the movement to the team.

At the publications office, one of the writers, Carl, proposes covering The Wave in The Grapevine. Laurie agrees, but she hadn’t wanted to write about it yet. She assigns them to gather information about what students think about The Wave.

Mrs. Saunders tells Laurie that Robert’s mother says he’s a new person, but she finds the movement increasingly cultish. She asks Laurie what will happen to Robert since he couldn’t function before The Wave, and The Wave will eventually ends. Laurie is disturbed to learn that they’re calling the upcoming pep rally a Wave Rally. The group will welcome 200 new members during the event, but she says Ben wouldn’t lead them into something cultish.