The 5th Wave Themes

Rick Yancey’s The 5th Wave is about what happens to humanity after an alien invasion kills nearly all humans, leaving the ones left distrustful of fellow human beings. Near the beginning of the novel co-protagonist Cassie shoots a man with her M16, thinking that he was going to fire on her first. Although the man did point a gun at Cassie earlier, it turns out this time he was only reaching for a crucifix…

The 5th Wave focuses on the few humans who survive a devastating alien invasion that kills nearly all humans. Like most post-apocalyptic novels, The 5th Wave spends some time exploring the physical ways that Cassie survives, including how she scavenges for food and fights against the elements like heavy snow. Ben (who also goes by Zombie) also faces a tough physical challenge to survive, as he nearly succumbs to a deadly illness, only to slowly…

The 5th Wave is a novel about characters who have all experienced tremendous loss in their families—and who are willing to do whatever they can to protect the family that they have left. Characters like Megan and Crisco, who have no family left, often seem lost, with little to live for. Cassie, meanwhile, tries to infiltrate a large alien camp all to rescue her little brother Sammy, because Sammy is all the…