The Fever Code
Chapter 14
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 13 of *The Fever Code*, Thomas faces a pivotal moment when Newt unexpectedly appears at his door late at night. Despite his suspicions about WICKED’s motives and the possibility of a trap, Thomas decides to trust Newt and joins him, bringing Teresa along. The trio’s unlocked doors and Newt’s cryptic invitation heighten the tension, as Thomas grapples with the risks of defiance versus the thrill of rebellion. Newt’s casual demeanor and Teresa’s eagerness to participate suggest a shared desire to break free from WICKED’s rigid control, setting the stage for an clandestine adventure.
Newt leads Thomas and Teresa through a maze-like complex to a hidden basement room, where they meet Alby and Minho, two other boys who have been secretly exploring the facility. The encounter is initially awkward but quickly becomes warm, with Minho’s playful teasing and Alby’s wise demeanor breaking the ice. The group’s camaraderie contrasts sharply with the sterile, controlled environment of WICKED, offering Thomas and Teresa a rare sense of belonging. The boys reveal they’ve been sneaking out for some time, defying authority under the assumption that WICKED either doesn’t know or doesn’t care—a risky but liberating mindset.
The conversation shifts to the mystery surrounding Thomas and Teresa’s isolation from the other subjects. Newt and Alby admit they’ve heard rumors about the pair but don’t understand why they’ve been kept separate. Teresa’s quick wit and Thomas’s cautious curiosity hint at their intelligence and resilience, earning the group’s respect. Minho suggests their meeting is more than social—it’s the beginning of an alliance to share information and potentially challenge WICKED’s secrecy. However, he emphasizes the need for trust to develop before diving into deeper plans, leaving the future open-ended.
The chapter concludes with Newt proposing a tour of Group B’s territory, signaling the start of a broader exploration of the facility. Thomas and Teresa, though still wary, are drawn into the group’s rebellious spirit, finding solace in their newfound friendships. The encounter marks a turning point for Thomas, who begins to question WICKED’s authority while embracing the exhilaration of defiance. The chapter blends tension, humor, and camaraderie, foreshadowing larger conflicts and alliances to come.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Thomas experience when Newt first appears at his door, and what does this reveal about his understanding of WICKED?
Answer:
Thomas experiences intense hesitation and suspicion when Newt arrives, questioning whether to trust him or slam the door. He considers if this is a WICKED-engineered test, given the unlikely timing of Newt’s appearance on the same night Thomas discovers his door unlocked. This reveals Thomas’s deep mistrust of WICKED’s environment—he assumes even chance encounters are orchestrated. His eventual decision to join Newt despite these fears highlights his desire for autonomy and connection, though he remains wary of consequences, showing his awareness of WICKED’s manipulative nature (e.g., “In a place like WICKED, he didn’t believe in coincidences”).2. How does the dynamic between Thomas, Teresa, and Group A (Newt, Alby, Minho) evolve during their secret meeting, and what significance does this hold for future alliances?
Answer:
The meeting begins with tension and skepticism, as Group A admits they’ve heard rumors about Thomas and Teresa and wanted to “check them out.” However, humor (Minho’s teasing, Teresa’s sassy retort) and shared defiance of WICKED’s rules break the ice. Physical gestures like Minho’s unexpected hug and Alby’s laughter foster camaraderie. This interaction lays groundwork for future collaboration, as Minho hints at “plans” and exchanges of information. The chapter foreshadows a tentative alliance built on mutual distrust of WICKED, though Group A emphasizes trust must develop over time (“Nothing too crazy… it’ll be a while before complete trust”).3. Analyze the symbolism of the unlocked doors and the maintenance room as settings in this chapter. How do they reflect the characters’ emotional states and the broader themes of the narrative?
Answer:
The unlocked doors represent both opportunity and danger—Thomas’s chance to explore freedom but also WICKED’s potential surveillance. The maintenance room, a cluttered, dusty space repurposed as a hideout, mirrors the characters’ resourcefulness and rejection of WICKED’s sterile control. It becomes a sanctuary for authentic connection, contrasting with the institutional halls. These settings underscore themes of rebellion and self-determination: the characters carve out agency in a controlled environment, just as they navigate physical spaces meant to confine them. Newt’s pride in the hideout (“our favorite hiding spot”) emphasizes their need for autonomy.4. Why might Teresa and Thomas withhold information about the mazes during their conversation with Group A, and how does this impact their relationship with the others?
Answer:
Teresa nearly mentions the mazes but stops herself, signaling she and Thomas view this knowledge as privileged or dangerous to share. Their hesitation suggests they (1) don’t fully trust Group A yet, (2) fear WICKED’s retaliation if the secret is exposed, or (3) recognize the mazes’ value as leverage. This secrecy creates a subtle power imbalance, as Group A admits they’re “in the dark” about Thomas and Teresa’s role. However, it also preserves a boundary that could protect both groups, as Minho acknowledges the need for gradual trust-building (“serious stuff can come in a few weeks”).5. How does the chapter use humor and contrasting personalities (e.g., Minho’s energy vs. Alby’s wisdom) to develop the group’s dynamic and relieve tension?
Answer:
Minho’s playful insults (“bucktoothed weirdos”) and exaggerated friendliness (hugging strangers) clash with Alby’s no-nonsense demeanor (“It’s gettin’ on my nerves”), creating a balanced group dynamic. Teresa’s sarcasm (“Way smarter, obviously”) surprises them, breaking stereotypes and earning respect. These interactions diffuse the initial wariness, making the scene feel authentic and relatable. The humor serves a narrative purpose: it humanizes characters in a dystopian setting, making their rebellion against WICKED more compelling. Lighthearted moments (e.g., Alby’s clapping) contrast with the underlying danger, emphasizing their resilience.
Quotes
1. “In a place like WICKED, he didn’t believe in coincidences—anything might be a test of some sort.”
This quote captures Thomas’s deep-seated suspicion of WICKED’s environment, establishing the constant tension between trust and paranoia that defines the characters’ experiences. It reflects the institutional manipulation central to the story’s premise.
2. “It felt good to take a risk, step out on a ledge.”
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the chapter’s theme of rebellion and self-discovery. Thomas’s exhilaration at breaking rules contrasts with WICKED’s controlled environment, marking a turning point in his character development.
3. “Information is king, and we feel like we’re in the dark not knowing you two.”
Minho’s statement reveals the strategic underpinnings of the characters’ relationships, highlighting how knowledge equals power in their world. This quote foreshadows future alliances and conflicts within the group.
4. “The rest of us have been sharing a cafeteria, going to the same classes, and all that for over a year. Way I see it, you’re either way smarter or way dumber than us.”
Newt’s observation underscores the social divisions within WICKED’s system, introducing themes of hierarchy and special treatment that drive much of the story’s conflict and mystery.
5. “When we know you better. Sound good?”
This deceptively simple question represents the tentative beginnings of trust between the characters, while also maintaining an edge of caution that reflects their dangerous circumstances. It captures the chapter’s balance between camaraderie and wariness.