The Fever Code
Chapter 16
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 15 of *The Fever Code*, Newt teases Thomas and Teresa with a mysterious surprise, heightening their curiosity as they sneak through WICKED’s halls to their usual meeting spot in the basement maintenance room. The room has become a sanctuary for their group, and the thrill of their nightly escapades grows with each visit. Teresa joins Thomas, both eager to discover Newt’s secret, but he playfully refuses to reveal anything, mimicking a zipped-lip gesture. Their camaraderie is evident as they navigate the dark corridors, their excitement palpable despite the secrecy.
Upon arriving, Thomas and Teresa find Minho and Alby wrestling, their playful rivalry adding to the group’s dynamic. Newt interrupts their antics to announce the night’s adventure: a trip to the great outdoors. Thomas is momentarily distracted, thinking about the hidden maze cavern beneath them—a secret he and Teresa cannot share. Newt’s revelation about going outside surprises Thomas, who had believed the world beyond WICKED was a dangerous wasteland. The group’s banter reveals their prior excursions outside, dismissing concerns about radiation or Cranks with humor and confidence.
The group climbs a hidden ladder, enduring dust and debris as they ascend to a rusted metal door leading outside. Alby and Minho assure Thomas and Teresa that the outside world is safer than they imagined, even mentioning sightings of snow and the sound of ocean waves. The door opens to a brisk breeze, and the group steps onto a concrete platform, greeted by the refreshing chill of night air. Thomas is overwhelmed by memories of life before WICKED, the sensation of freedom starkly contrasting their confined existence. Despite the darkness, the experience is exhilarating, and the others revel in his awe.
Newt guides them to a drainpipe, which they use to descend into the woods below. Minho jokes about encountering a deer, leaving Thomas unsure if he’s serious. As they climb down, Thomas’s fingers ache, but the promise of exploration fuels his determination. The chapter ends with the group venturing into the unknown, their bond strengthened by shared adventure and the fleeting taste of freedom beyond WICKED’s oppressive walls. The outing symbolizes a rare moment of normalcy and rebellion in their otherwise controlled lives.
FAQs
1. How does the basement maintenance room function for the group, and what does it reveal about their dynamic?
Answer:
The basement maintenance room serves as a sanctuary and meeting place for Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Alby, and Minho, highlighting their camaraderie and shared need for escape from WICKED’s control. After their third escapade, Newt stops escorting Thomas and Teresa, trusting them to navigate the halls alone, which shows growing trust within the group. The room becomes a symbol of their rebellion and bonding, as evidenced by their playful wrestling and banter. This space allows them to momentarily forget their constrained lives under WICKED, fostering a sense of normalcy and friendship amid their otherwise highly controlled environment.2. What contradictions arise between the characters’ expectations of the outside world and the reality they encounter?
Answer:
Thomas and Teresa initially believe the outside world is a dangerous wasteland due to radiation, sun flares, and Cranks, as WICKED has likely conditioned them to think. However, Alby and the others reveal that the environment is recovering, with fresh air, ocean sounds, and even snow in the trees. This contradiction underscores the theme of misinformation and control, as WICKED may have exaggerated the outside dangers to keep the subjects confined. The group’s repeated safe excursions also challenge Thomas’s assumptions, making him question what else WICKED might be hiding.3. Analyze the significance of Newt’s “zipped-lip” gesture and how it reflects his personality.
Answer:
Newt’s “zipped-lip” gesture—pinching his fingers across his mouth—symbolizes his playful, teasing nature and his role as the group’s mischievous leader. He enjoys keeping Thomas and Teresa in suspense about their nightly adventures, showing his fondness for drama and camaraderie. This small act also reinforces the trust and intimacy within the group, as the gesture becomes an inside joke. However, it subtly hints at larger secrets, mirroring the broader theme of hidden truths in the novel, such as the undiscovered maze beneath them.4. How does the ladder and door sequence build tension and foreshadow future events?
Answer:
The climb up the dusty, sinister ladder and the discovery of the rusted metal door create a sense of mystery and danger, foreshadowing the group’s eventual confrontation with WICKED’s secrets. The ladder’s unknown origin and the door’s worn handle suggest repeated use, hinting at the others’ clandestine activities. The pressurized air escaping when the door opens symbolizes the characters’ yearning for freedom, while the ocean breeze contrasts with the sterile WICKED facility. This moment builds anticipation for the outside world’s role in the larger narrative and the truths they have yet to uncover.5. Why does Thomas feel conflicted about keeping the maze cavern a secret from Newt and the others?
Answer:
Thomas struggles with guilt because he values his friendship with Newt, Alby, and Minho but is bound by his and Teresa’s secret knowledge of the maze. His shock that the others haven’t discovered it themselves highlights WICKED’s effectiveness in compartmentalizing information. This internal conflict reflects the broader tension between trust and survival in their world. Thomas’s hesitation to share also underscores his growing awareness of WICKED’s manipulations, as he realizes some truths might be too dangerous to reveal, even to friends.
Quotes
1. “The dusty old room had become something of a sanctuary for their group. After their third escapade, Newt stopped coming to escort Thomas and Teresa there—they knew their own way—and the exhilaration of sneaking through the dark halls of WICKED only became more enjoyable every time Thomas did it.”
This quote captures the growing camaraderie and rebellious spirit among the group, as well as their need for a safe space away from WICKED’s control. It sets the tone for their secret adventures and highlights their evolving independence.
2. “The truth was, Newt and his friends had no idea what was hidden right under their feet. Trust or no trust, though, there was no way Thomas and Teresa could share the information about the maze cavern.”
This moment underscores the tension between the group’s trust and the secrets Thomas and Teresa must keep. It hints at the larger mysteries of WICKED and foreshadows future conflicts.
3. “Things are starting to get better out there. Plus, we’re way up north, which wasn’t hit as badly. A couple of times we’ve seen snow in the trees.”
Alby’s revelation challenges the group’s assumptions about the outside world, contrasting WICKED’s narrative of a ruined planet. This quote expands the story’s worldbuilding and raises questions about what else they’ve been misled about.
4. “A stiff breeze blew up the ladder chute as pressurized air escaped the complex, as if rushing to freedom. It ruffled Thomas’s clothes as it crossed over him, giving him a slight chill, and the anticipation of what awaited them spiked so hard that he could barely contain himself.”
This vivid description marks a pivotal moment as the group steps outside, symbolizing their yearning for freedom. The imagery of the wind “rushing to freedom” mirrors their own desires to escape WICKED’s control.