The 5th Wave

10 days after the Arrival, the Others begin waves of attacks on Earth. Describe the four waves. What is the purpose of each wave? What do these attacks suggest about the Others and their desire for Earth?

Cassie meets and kills a wounded soldier in a convenience store who was holding a crucifix. This episode comes up often in Cassie’s thoughts and her discussions with Evan. Why does this soldier become a symbol of the fourth wave to Cassie? Why does Evan think Cassie shot the soldier? Why does she argue with his assessment? Why is Cassie so bothered by this episode?

The Futility of Action is a major theme in the novel. During Cassie’s first encounter with the Silencer, why does she feel action is futile? How does she respond to this situation and what does it say about her personality? How do other characters respond to futility and what do their actions say about them?

Cassie’s motive to stay alive is the promise she made to her younger brother, Sammy. What promise did she make? Why is this promise important to her? In what ways does she compromise her beliefs to see to this promise?

Ben’s inability to protect his younger sister, Sissy, weighs heavily on him. How does this impact his actions throughout the novel?

The Silencer follows Cassie for weeks, breaks into her tent to read her diary, and fails to shoot her despite being given many opportunities to do so. What reasons does he give for these actions (and inaction)? How do these reasons reveal his humanity (or at least, that of Evan)?

An intimate relationship builds between Cassie and Evan. How does Cassie respond to this relationship? How do her feelings prevent her from seeing the truth about Evan? How does her relationship with Evan compare to her crush on Ben Parish?

Ringer convinces Zombie (Ben) that the leadership at Wright-Patterson Airforce base are infected by Others and using child soldiers like them to kill other uninfected humans. How does she convince him of this? How do the Others use Hope and Manipulation to turn children into killers? How does Zombie (Ben) respond to Ringer’s explanation?