The 5th Wave
by Rick Yancey
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Cast of Characters
- Plot Summary
- An Analysis of Major Characters
-
Chapter Summary and Analysis
- Part 1 (The Last Historian), Chapters 1-12
- Summary: Part 1 (The Last Historian), Chapters 13-24
- Summary: Part 2 (Wonderland), Chapters 25-30
- Summary: Part 3 (Silencer), Chapter 31
- Summary: Part 4 (Mayfly), Chapters 32-36
- Summary: Part 5 (The Winnowing), Chapters 37-41
- Summary: Part 6 (The Human Clay), Chapters 42-52
- Summary: Part 7 (The Heart to Kill), Chapters 53-55
- Summary: Part 8 (The Spirit of Vengeance), Chapters 56-64
- Summary: Part 9 (A Flower to the Rain), Chapters 65-77
- Summary: Parts 10-12, Chapters 65-82
- Summary: Part 13 (The Black Hole), Chapters 83-91
- Symbols and Themes
- Key Facts
- Key Quotes
- Discussion Questions
- Take The Quiz
- Further Reading
- Flashcards
- Biography of Rick Yancey
Discussion Questions
1. What is the effect of switching between the narratives of Ben and Cassie? How does this build tension in the novel? How does this technique affect the plot?
2. Discuss the theme of trust in the novel. How does Yancey use the concept of trust in connection to the concept of survival?
3. Cassie says that the flaw in the aliens’ master plan is that they didn’t kill everyone at the same time. By attacking humanity in waves, they only succeed in winnowing the strong from the weak. According to Cassie, by the 5th Wave, “It’s the strong who remain,” making them harder to defeat. How do the characters in the novel support this idea? Do you agree or disagree with Cassie?
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