The Fever Code
Chapter 39
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter follows Thomas, Teresa, and Chuck as they observe the Glade from WICKED’s monitoring room. Thomas reflects on his ambiguous role within the organization, noting his freedom to move around but his lack of deep connection with the newer subjects. His routine includes watching the monitors, where he notices unusual behavior among the Gladers, particularly Alby and Newt, who are acting suspiciously around a makeshift shelter. The trio becomes intrigued when they see the group dragging a boy named George out of the structure, sparking their curiosity about what is happening in the Glade.
Thomas and Teresa focus on the monitors as Alby and Newt violently confront George, who appears severely disfigured and in pain. The observers are shocked by Alby’s aggression, as he punches George repeatedly, while Newt tries to intervene. Chuck identifies George as the boy who recently welcomed another Glader, adding to the mystery of his sudden deterioration. The WICKED command room refuses to intervene, opting to let the situation unfold naturally, which only heightens Thomas’s concern and fascination with the events.
The scene intensifies as George’s condition worsens, his body contorted and his face swollen beyond recognition. A boy named Nick explains that George was attacked in the maze, repeating the phrase “It stung me” in a disturbing, possessed manner. The Gladers argue over how to handle the situation, with Nick accusing Alby of unnecessary violence, while Alby insists George was trying to bite him. The tension among the boys mirrors the growing unease in the monitoring room as Thomas and Teresa struggle to comprehend the severity of George’s affliction.
The chapter ends on a chilling note as Thomas processes the implications of George’s words—“It stung me”—suggesting a terrifying encounter in the maze. The observers are left with more questions than answers, foreshadowing the dangers lurking within the Glade and the maze. The scene underscores the unpredictability of WICKED’s experiments and the fragility of the subjects’ lives, leaving Thomas and his friends uneasy about what lies ahead.
FAQs
1. What is Thomas’s daily routine like at the WICKED facility, and how does he feel about his current situation?
Answer:
Thomas’s routine consists of breakfast, attending a couple of classes, spending time in the observation room, having lunch, and returning to observation—all while accompanied by Teresa. Chuck joins them after his afternoon classes. Though Thomas has some freedom to move around and eat with other subjects, he doesn’t connect with them as deeply as he did with Newt, Alby, and Minho. Despite this, he feels “okay” and accepts the status quo, waiting for something better to come along. This suggests a passive acceptance of his circumstances, though he remains curious and engaged when unusual events arise, such as the incident with George.2. How does the chapter build suspense around the mysterious events in the Glade, particularly involving George?
Answer:
The suspense builds through gradual revelation and unsettling details. Initially, Alby and Newt act suspiciously near the lean-to, hiding something from the beetle blades. When they drag George out, his condition is horrifying—his face appears mutilated, his body locked in pain, and he moans unnaturally. The phrase “It stung me” adds mystery, implying an unknown threat in the maze. The frantic reactions of the Gladers, combined with WICKED’s deliberate hesitation to intervene, create tension. Thomas’s shock and Teresa’s alarm further heighten the unease, leaving readers questioning what attacked George and what it means for the Gladers.3. Analyze the dynamics between Alby, Newt, and Nick during the confrontation over George. What does this reveal about leadership in the Glade?
Answer:
The confrontation shows a tense power struggle and differing approaches to crisis management. Alby reacts aggressively, punching George when he tries to bite him, while Newt plays a mediating role, urging calm. Nick, George’s friend, challenges Alby’s authority, accusing him of unnecessary violence. This clash reveals that leadership in the Glade is fragile and contested—Alby relies on forceful control, Newt on reason, and Nick on emotional loyalty. The lack of a unified response highlights the chaos of their environment, where trust is limited, and decisions are made under extreme pressure. This foreshadows future conflicts as the Gladers face more threats.4. Why might WICKED choose not to intervene immediately when George is attacked? How does this reflect their broader methods?
Answer:
WICKED’s refusal to intervene aligns with their manipulative, observational approach. The Psychs explicitly state they want to “see this play out,” prioritizing data over the subjects’ immediate safety. This mirrors their broader strategy of testing the Gladers’ reactions to stress and violence, treating them as experiments rather than people. By withholding help, they force the boys to problem-solve independently, which provides WICKED with insights into human behavior under duress. This cold methodology underscores the organization’s ethical ambiguity and reinforces the dystopian theme of sacrificing individuals for perceived greater knowledge.5. How does Thomas’s perspective as an observer shape the reader’s understanding of the Glade’s events?
Answer:
Thomas’s observational role creates a layered narrative. As he watches through monitors, the reader experiences the Glade’s events secondhand, mirroring WICKED’s detached scrutiny. His reactions—shock at George’s condition, curiosity about the boys’ actions—guide the reader’s emotional response. However, his physical separation from the Glade also emphasizes his transitional status: he’s neither fully integrated with WICKED nor part of the Gladers’ struggles. This duality builds intrigue, as readers wonder when or how Thomas will become more directly involved. His limited vantage point adds mystery, leaving gaps that compel deeper engagement with the story.
Quotes
1. “Thomas didn’t know exactly what his role with WICKED was developing into. They seemed to let him do whatever he wanted, go wherever he wanted.”
This quote highlights Thomas’s growing uncertainty about his purpose within WICKED, emphasizing the organization’s manipulative nature and the illusion of freedom given to him. It sets the stage for the moral ambiguity and tension that permeates the chapter.
2. “Alby reared back and punched the boy again, then again. Newt grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away.”
This violent moment captures the chaos and desperation among the Gladers as they confront George’s mysterious condition. It underscores the breakdown of order and the primal fear driving their actions.
3. “George appeared almost animated, a product of studio special effects. As he writhed as if going through the worst pain imaginable, he let out sharp moans through his closed mouth that sounded rabid.”
This vivid description of George’s suffering is pivotal, as it introduces the horror of the “sting” and its terrifying effects. It marks a turning point in the chapter, escalating the suspense and dread.
4. “‘It stung me, it stung me, it stung me….’ It was weird, man. He sounded like he was possessed or something. What’re we gonna do!”
This quote reveals the source of George’s affliction and foreshadows the larger threat of the Griever sting. Its repetition and Nick’s panic emphasize the unknown danger lurking in the maze, deepening the mystery and tension.
5. “Thomas slumped back in his chair. For some reason, those words really chilled him. It stung me.”
This closing line underscores the emotional impact of the event on Thomas, hinting at his subconscious connection to the maze and its horrors. It leaves the reader with a sense of foreboding and curiosity about what “stung me” truly signifies.