The Maze Runner
Chapter 18
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 18 of *The Maze Runner*, Thomas is left alone in the Maze after Minho panics and abandons him. Frustrated and betrayed, Thomas grapples with fear as eerie sounds and oily smells signal the approach of the Grievers. Despite the danger, he refuses to give up, focusing instead on helping Alby, who lies unconscious nearby. Checking Alby’s pulse, Thomas confirms he’s alive and resolves not to leave him behind, revealing his loyalty and courage even in the face of imminent threat.
Thomas attempts to carry Alby but quickly realizes the boy is too heavy. Undeterred, he drags Alby toward the Glade’s entrance, but the Grievers’ approaching noises and flashing lights force him to rethink his strategy. With no clear escape route, Thomas considers climbing the ivy-covered walls, despite Minho’s earlier warnings. Testing the vines, he discovers they are sturdy enough to support his weight, sparking a risky plan to hoist Alby to safety.
Working against time, Thomas ties Alby’s limbs to the vines and begins the painstaking process of lifting him up the wall. Each movement is exhausting, and Thomas struggles with doubt, but he persists, methodically securing Alby’s body limb by limb. The Grievers draw nearer, their mechanical sounds and red flashes intensifying, yet Thomas remains focused, determined to save his friend even as his own strength wanes.
The chapter culminates in a tense, repetitive cycle of climbing, wrapping, and lifting, with Thomas pushing himself to the limit. His hands grow slick with sweat, and fatigue sets in, but he refuses to abandon Alby. The relentless approach of the Grievers adds urgency to his efforts, highlighting Thomas’s resilience and selflessness. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers wondering whether Thomas’s daring plan will succeed or if the Grievers will overtake them both.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas react when Minho abandons him in the Maze, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Thomas initially feels anger and betrayal when Minho panics and runs away, leaving him alone with the unconscious Alby. This reaction shows his frustration at being abandoned by someone more experienced. However, his subsequent actions—focusing on saving Alby despite the danger—reveal his loyalty, courage, and sense of responsibility. Thomas refuses to leave a friend behind, even when it would be easier to flee, demonstrating his selflessness and moral integrity. This moment also hints at his latent leadership qualities, as he takes charge in a crisis rather than succumbing to fear.2. What practical challenges does Thomas face while trying to save Alby, and how does he problem-solve under pressure?
Answer:
Thomas encounters several obstacles: Alby’s dead weight makes carrying or dragging him impossible, the approaching Grievers limit time, and the Maze’s darkness and complexity disorient him. His first attempts (carrying Alby on his back and dragging him) fail, forcing him to innovate. He tests the ivy vines for strength, then devises a methodical plan to hoist Alby up the wall limb by limb, using the vines as ropes. This shows his adaptability, persistence, and ability to think creatively under extreme stress. His step-by-step approach—testing, adjusting, and repeating—highlights his analytical mindset.3. Analyze the significance of the Grievers’ sensory descriptions (sounds, smells, lights) in this chapter. How do they contribute to the tension?
Answer:
The Grievers are depicted through unsettling sensory details: grinding machinery sounds, oily burning smells, and eerie flashes of light. These descriptions create a visceral sense of dread and otherness, emphasizing the creatures’ inhuman and mechanical nature. The escalating volume and proximity of the noises (“whirrs, buzzes, moans”) heighten urgency, mirroring Thomas’s rising panic. The disjointed sensory cues also disorient the reader, paralleling Thomas’s confusion and making the threat feel unpredictable. This atmospheric tension underscores the life-or-death stakes of Thomas’s rescue attempt.4. Why does Thomas’s decision to save Alby contradict Minho’s actions, and what might this contrast foreshadow?
Answer:
Minho, a seasoned Runner, prioritizes self-preservation by fleeing, while Thomas, a newcomer, risks his life for Alby. This contrast highlights Thomas’s innate bravery and compassion, traits that may later define his role in the Glade. It also suggests a potential shift in leadership dynamics; Thomas’s willingness to sacrifice for others positions him as a foil to Minho’s pragmatism. The moment foreshadows Thomas’s eventual emergence as a unifying figure who challenges the Gladers’ survivalist norms, possibly hinting at his deeper connection to the Maze’s purpose.5. How does the ivy vine solution symbolize Thomas’s approach to overcoming obstacles in the Glade?
Answer:
The ivy vines represent resourcefulness and turning the Maze’s own features against itself. Thomas repurposes what seems decorative (ivy) into a functional tool, mirroring his ability to find unconventional solutions. His testing of the vines—methodically verifying their strength—reflects his cautious yet determined mindset. This parallels his broader journey: adapting to the Glade’s rules while questioning their limits. The ivy, a natural element in an artificial environment, also symbolizes hope and resilience, themes central to Thomas’s character arc.
Quotes
1. “And at that moment, in the space of only a few seconds, he learned a lot about himself. About the Thomas that was before. He couldn’t leave a friend to die. Even someone as cranky as Alby.”
This quote marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery for Thomas, revealing his inherent loyalty and courage despite being new to the Glade. It contrasts his character with Minho’s panic and establishes his moral compass in the face of danger.
2. “The frightening sounds of the Grievers grew closer by the second, echoing off the stone walls of the Maze. Thomas thought he could see bright flashes of light far away, bouncing off the night sky. He didn’t want to meet the source of those lights, those sounds.”
This vivid description heightens the tension and terror of the Griever threat, emphasizing the unknown danger Thomas faces. It underscores the chapter’s suspenseful tone and the urgency of Thomas’s dilemma.
3. “Hesitant to try, Thomas steeled himself and pulled on the vine of ivy with all his strength. It held.”
This moment showcases Thomas’s transition from doubt to determination as he tests his risky escape plan. The physical act of testing the vines symbolizes his growing resourcefulness and resolve to survive.
4. “Climb, wrap, push up, tie off. Climb, wrap, push up, tie off. The Grievers at least seemed to be moving slowly through the Maze, giving him time.”
The repetitive phrasing mirrors Thomas’s exhausting, methodical effort to save Alby while racing against time. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s central struggle and Thomas’s perseverance against overwhelming odds.