How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The class's homework assignments improved, but rather than long, thoughtful answers, they wrote short ones. On a multiple choice test they might all do well, but Ben had his doubts about how they'd do on an exam of essays. (9.3)
In the question and answer game Ben develops as part of the experiment, students are in competition with each other to answer quickly and correctly. The novel suggests that this method of learning discourages students from thinking deeply about historical events. If the class had been discussing Word War II instead of being quizzed on facts, do you think things would have turned out differently?
Quote #5
He enjoyed thinking that he had helped break down the petty popularity contests and cliques that he felt often preoccupied too much of his students' thinking and energy. (9.6)
Ben creates the experiment to show his students the danger of going along with a group for the wrong reasons. But during the experiment, he also starts to think that maybe he has helped make the ultra-competitive atmosphere of school easier for these kids to deal with.
Quote #6
Then he got mad. He said pretty soon people in The Wave wouldn't want to be friends with people who weren't in it. He even said I'd lose all my friends if I didn't join. (11.10)
Yes, Wave members are pretty confused. They like The Wave because it makes them worry less about popularity, but then they threaten others with lack of popularity if they don't join. Hmmm.