SYMBOLISM / MOTIFS / IMAGERY / METAPHORS / SYMBOLS

The main symbol and motif of the novel is of course the wave. The choice of imagery is itself potent: a wave is unstoppable, a force of nature that sweeps over everything in its path. It indicates strength and inevitability, but also a lack of thoughtful discrimination and futility of resistance. A key motif tied to this image of The Wave are its three slogans, all emphasizing strength but rhetorically empty in meaning. As a result, the use of wave takes on further complexity: water is fluid and can slip through one's fingers, refused to be grasped. Similarly, the empowering slogans and rhetoric of The Wave is as elusive as water, impossible to contain and clearly define.

The two other groups in the novel are also symbols of the way a group can function. The football team is disorganized and bickers among themselves. David Collins introduces The Wave to the team in the hopes of unifying them and imbuing team spirit; not everybody agrees, as seen by Deutsch, who continues to fight with Brian Ammon. However, The Wave does not succeed in leading Gordon High to win in their game against Clarkstown - an expectation held by most everyone else, if not David - and this disappointment diminishes The Wave in the eyes of many. In contrast, the staff of...........

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