The Fever Code
Chapter 37
by Dashner, JamesThomas, the protagonist, finds a rare moment of solace in the observation room, where he watches his friends in the maze through an advanced monitor system. Despite his lingering guilt over their stolen memories, the improved technology allows him to feel closer to them, almost as if he were there. He cherishes scenes of the Gladers enjoying simple pleasures, like Alby and George eating peaches, which briefly distract him from his despair. Though still monitored by WICKED, Thomas clings to these moments as a fragile source of comfort in his otherwise bleak existence.
Chuck, a young boy with boundless energy, joins Thomas in the observation room, bringing levity to the otherwise somber atmosphere. Thomas teases Chuck about his observational skills, their banter highlighting their close bond. Chuck’s presence is a lifeline for Thomas, who admits to selfishly relying on the boy to stave off his own emotional turmoil. Dr. Paige permits their interactions, recognizing the value in studying their dynamic, though Thomas’s dependence on Chuck underscores his deep loneliness and need for connection.
Teresa, Thomas’s close friend and confidante, communicates telepathically with him, sensing his improved mood. She joins Thomas and Chuck in the observation room, adding to the camaraderie with her playful teasing. Her arrival reinforces the theme of found family, as the trio’s interactions provide Thomas with a rare sense of normalcy and joy. Teresa’s lighthearted scolding of Chuck for stealing her deviled eggs further illustrates the warmth and familiarity between them, offering a brief respite from the oppressive environment of WICKED.
The chapter concludes with Thomas reflecting on his fleeting happiness, grateful for the companionship of Chuck and Teresa. Their playful antics, including Teresa chasing Chuck around the room, momentarily lift his spirits. Though the shadow of WICKED’s experiments looms large, these small moments of connection remind Thomas of the humanity he fears losing. The chapter ends on a hopeful note, with Thomas acknowledging that, for now, he feels good again—a rare victory in his otherwise harrowing reality.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas’s emotional state at the beginning of the chapter compare to his recent past, and what factors contribute to his improved mood?
Answer:
At the chapter’s opening, Thomas feels “okay” for the first time in months, though this is a relative improvement from his previous despair where he wished for death (as noted in his thought that “some mysterious illness would strike him dead”). His improved mood stems from two key factors: 1) Dr. Paige allowing him to observe his friends in the maze, which gives him purpose, and 2) the new high-quality display system that lets him see the Gladers in vivid detail, creating an almost immersive experience. The text emphasizes how this observation time has become the focal point of his daily life, providing temporary relief from his guilt over their stolen memories.2. Analyze the significance of Chuck’s role in Thomas’s life. How does their relationship reveal deeper themes about human connection in WICKED’s environment?
Answer:
Chuck serves as both an emotional anchor and a deliberate coping mechanism for Thomas, who admits he “flat out needed Chuck, like a kid with a security blanket.” Their dynamic highlights the theme of found family in dehumanizing circumstances—Thomas actively lobbied for Chuck to assist him, masking his dependency as professional grooming. WICKED tolerates this arrangement because it studies their interactions, underscoring the organization’s manipulation of human bonds for research. Chuck’s humor and innocence (“Hardy har har”) provide Thomas with respite from his trauma, illustrating how even in a controlled, dystopian setting, authentic connections persist as acts of resistance.3. How does the chapter use sensory details to contrast Thomas’s observational experience with his physical reality? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The text emphasizes sensory immersion in Thomas’s observation sessions to highlight his emotional displacement. The new system offers “spectacular color and detail,” “improved audio,” and a six-foot screen, creating a vivid simulacrum of the maze (e.g., seeing peaches in the trackhoe’s scoop “close-up”). This contrasts sharply with Thomas’s sterile reality—his “normal schedule of classes, tests, checkups”—where he’s passively monitored. The auditory detail of recognizing Chuck’s footsteps (“He definitely knew”) further underscores how Thomas clings to sensory anchors in his controlled environment. These contrasts reinforce his longing to physically reconnect with the Gladers (“wishing he could be there. Just for a visit”).4. Evaluate Teresa’s telepathic communication with Thomas. What does this interaction reveal about their relationship and shared burdens?
Answer:
Teresa’s telepathy (“Hey, what are you doing?”) demonstrates their deep emotional synchronization—she senses his improved mood without visual cues and responds with genuine care (“that makes me very happy”). Their shared affection for Chuck (“Sweet little Chucky-Chuck”) and playful banter reveal a partnership that transcends WICKED’s experiments. However, Thomas’s momentary “cringe” before her serious remark hints at unresolved tensions, likely tied to their complicity in the maze project. The exchange underscores how their bond serves as both a refuge and a reminder of their moral dilemmas, blending warmth with unspoken guilt.5. What thematic purpose does the scene with Teresa, Thomas, and Chuck’s playful antics serve in the broader context of the chapter?
Answer:
The lighthearted chase (“smother him with hugs”) and teasing (“Don’t mess with Teresa”) provide catharsis, contrasting with the chapter’s heavier themes of surveillance and memory loss. This moment of joy—where Thomas leans back “enjoying every second”—symbolizes temporary defiance against WICKED’s oppressive control. By showcasing humor and physicality (e.g., Teresa pinching Chuck over deviled eggs), the scene humanizes the characters, reminding readers that despite their roles in the experiment, they retain youthful vulnerability. It also foreshadows the fragility of such happiness in their dystopian world, as Thomas’s final thought (“I feel good again”) implies this is a fleeting respite.
Quotes
1. “At least he actually wanted to take his next breath instead of wishing that maybe it wouldn’t happen, that some mysterious illness would strike him dead on the spot.”
This quote captures Thomas’s profound emotional struggle and depression, highlighting a rare moment of relief where he feels “okay” again. It sets the tone for the chapter by showing his fragile mental state and the weight of his guilt over the Gladers’ stolen memories.
2. “He claimed he was grooming Chuck to do great things, but the truth was that Thomas needed him. Being alone often brought his memories crashing in, and Chuck was a beacon that lit the darkness.”
This reveals Thomas’s dependency on Chuck as an emotional anchor, masking his vulnerability under the guise of mentorship. It underscores the theme of human connection as a survival mechanism in WICKED’s harsh environment.
3. “If it weren’t for Chuck and Teresa, Thomas didn’t know how he would have survived.”
A concise summation of Thomas’s reliance on his two closest relationships to endure the psychological toll of his role in the maze experiments. It emphasizes the centrality of friendship in the narrative.
4. “I can tell you’re feeling better, she finally said. And that makes me very happy.”
Teresa’s telepathic exchange with Thomas shows their deep bond and her role in his emotional recovery. This moment of tenderness contrasts with the clinical setting, reinforcing the humanity persisting amid WICKED’s experiments.
5. “Thomas leaned back in his chair, enjoying every second of it. Yeah, he thought. I feel good again.”
The chapter’s closing lines mark a rare positive emotional climax as Thomas finds joy in Chuck and Teresa’s playful interaction. This fleeting happiness serves as both a respite and a reminder of what’s at stake in their dystopian reality.