Language

The language Morton Rhue uses in his novel The Wave is suitable for a young adult book so as not to seem dated or unrealistic. Sociolects and contemporary youth jargon are deliberately used to make the characters seem believable and to give the story an additional dynamic: “Eric shrugged. ‘No, man. I think they’re gonna laugh.’ ” (Chapter 6, 57%).

A restrictive use of language, both in syntax and semantics, dominates within the events to allow the young reader to identify with the novel's characters: “ ‘My mother says it sounds like brainwashing to her,’ Laurie said. ‘What?’ ‘She says Mr Ross is manipulating us.’ ‘She’s crazy […]’(Chapter 8, 10%).

Throughout the novel, Morton Rhue uses simple, concise, accessible language. The plot does not rely on...