The Fever Code
Chapter 26
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with Thomas observing Gally, a new arrival who appears broken and pitiable despite his ordinary appearance. Minho introduces Gally to the group, including Thomas, Newt, Alby, Teresa, and the sleeping Chuck, but the interaction is awkward. Gally attempts a friendly demeanor, but the group is skeptical, especially Alby, who questions how Gally can aid their escape plan. Gally reveals his role in landscaping and maintenance at WICKED, hinting at his access to security vulnerabilities, but the group’s sarcasm and doubt create tension.
Gally explains that WICKED’s security relies more on external threats like Cranks than physical barriers, making escape feasible. He hints at having manipulated systems under his supervisor, Chase, to facilitate their plan. However, Teresa and others mock the idea, questioning the practicality of survival outside WICKED. Gally grows defensive, accusing them of immaturity, while Alby confronts him for his attitude. The confrontation escalates until Minho intervenes, urging the group to trust his judgment and revealing Gally’s secret communication with a cousin in Canada.
Minho’s revelation shocks the group, as he outlines a coordinated escape with outside help waiting near the Alaskan woods. Thomas, perplexed, asks why Minho wants to leave despite their privileged conditions. Minho argues that their lack of freedom outweighs any benefits, emphasizing their status as prisoners. Teresa counters, accusing him of abandoning their duty to help the world, which strains their relationship. Gally, attempting to diffuse tension, apologizes for the rocky start and asks who will join them, met with silence until Newt inquires about the timing.
The chapter ends with Minho and Gally announcing the escape is set for the next night, leaving the group in stunned silence. The confrontation highlights the ideological divide between those willing to risk freedom and those prioritizing safety and purpose within WICKED. The tension underscores the moral and practical dilemmas of their situation, setting the stage for a pivotal decision in the story.
FAQs
1. How does Gally’s role at WICKED make him valuable to Minho’s escape plan?
Answer:
Gally works on the grounds at WICKED, performing landscaping, electrical work, and maintenance under a supervisor named Chase. His position gives him access to areas and systems that others don’t have, allowing him to secretly set up measures to bypass WICKED’s security. As he explains, “I’ve been setting up little things for weeks now, things that’ll help someone get past the WICKED security measures.” Additionally, Gally has used Chase’s transponder codes to communicate with a cousin in Canada who can assist them after escaping. This inside access and preparation make him crucial to the plan’s success.2. Analyze the differing perspectives on freedom between Minho and Teresa. How does this conflict drive the tension in the chapter?
Answer:
Minho views WICKED as a prison, stating, “Because we’re held here against our will. That’s all the reason I need.” He prioritizes personal freedom over the relative safety and comfort WICKED provides. Teresa, however, argues that leaving means abandoning their chance to help the world and losing their privileged conditions: “You’ll never have it half as good as we do here!” This ideological clash creates tension, as Minho sees their captivity as morally unacceptable, while Teresa values the greater good over individual liberty. Their debate forces other characters to confront their own beliefs about WICKED’s purpose.3. Why does Gally initially come across as “pathetic” to Thomas, and how does this perception shift during their interaction?
Answer:
Thomas first pities Gally because of his broken demeanor, particularly his eyes, which suggest deep emotional damage. However, as the conversation progresses, Gally demonstrates resilience and cleverness—he has orchestrated a detailed escape plan and stands up to the group’s sarcasm. His confident explanation of the plan and his willingness to confront Alby (“Don’t come in here all high and mighty”) show he is more capable than he initially appears. This shift challenges Thomas’s first impression and adds complexity to Gally’s character.4. How does the chapter use humor and sarcasm to reveal character dynamics? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Humor and sarcasm highlight the group’s skepticism and tension. Alby mocks Gally’s usefulness by asking if he’ll “push Minho to the woods in a wheelbarrow,” which Newt finds amusing. Teresa sarcastically suggests renting “a nice apartment in Juneau,” undermining the practicality of escape. Gally fires back, “Do you think I’m stupid?” showing his frustration with their dismissive attitudes. These exchanges reveal conflict: the group doubts Gally and Minho, while Gally resents their mockery. The humor masks deeper anxieties about the risks of rebellion.5. Critical Thinking: Evaluate Minho’s argument for escape. Is freedom worth the dangers of leaving WICKED, given the world’s state?
Answer:
Minho’s stance hinges on the principle that no cause justifies involuntary imprisonment, even if WICKED offers protection from the Crank-infested world. His argument is compelling because autonomy is a fundamental right, and WICKED’s methods (manipulating children) are ethically questionable. However, Teresa’s counterpoint—that survival and global salvation may require sacrifice—also holds merit. The dilemma forces readers to weigh individual rights against collective survival. The chapter leaves this unresolved, emphasizing the complexity of moral choices in a dystopian setting.
Quotes
1. “If you looked into his eyes, you could tell that something had broken inside him a long time ago.”
This description of Gally’s psychological state introduces a key theme of trauma and resilience in the chapter. It foreshadows both his motivations and the group’s shared experience of being broken by WICKED.
2. “Truth is, WICKED relies on the threat of Cranks and the state of the world to prevent us from trying anything. It’s a lot harder to get into WICKED than to get out.”
Gally’s insight reveals the psychological manipulation tactics used by WICKED, exposing how they maintain control through fear rather than physical barriers. This becomes central to the escape plan’s rationale.
3. “Because we’re prisoners. Because we’re held here against our will. That’s all the reason I need.”
Minho’s passionate declaration captures the core moral argument driving the escape plan. This simple yet powerful statement contrasts sharply with Teresa’s utilitarian perspective about their privileged position.
4. “You don’t take away my freedom without asking first.”
This concise philosophical statement from Minho represents a key turning point in the chapter’s debate about freedom versus security. It crystallizes the fundamental conflict between individual rights and collective good.
5. “Anyone coming with us? His words were met with graveyard silence.”
This climactic moment reveals the group’s divided loyalties and creates tension about who will join the escape. The silence speaks volumes about their internal conflicts regarding WICKED’s true nature.