One of The Wave’s themes is humanity’s inability—and sometimes unwillingness—to learn from its mistakes. After the experiment’s climax in the auditorium, the students are horrified to discover that they were willing participants in fascism. Ultimately, is the novel optimistic or pessimistic? Is there reason to believe that the students learn from this lesson, or will they treat it as another isolated, unrepeatable incident? Discuss the reasons for your opinions, citing evidence from the text and/or other sources.

What are the most distinct similarities between the Nazis and The Wave? What are the clearest differences? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

During the final assembly, is Ben correct when he tells the students that they could have made good Nazis? Can he actually know such a thing? Does he draw the correct conclusion from the experiment? Discuss the reasons for your opinions, citing evidence from the text.