The Fever Code
Chapter 41
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with Thomas, Teresa, and Chuck reeling from the shocking death of George in the Glade. Thomas is overwhelmed with guilt for exposing Chuck to such trauma, while Chuck is visibly distraught, trembling and crying. The group consoles each other in a hug, but the atmosphere remains tense as they observe the other Gladers’ reactions. Alby and Newt are paralyzed with grief, while Nick investigates George’s body, discovering a mysterious, spider-like wound on his back. Teresa identifies it as a “sting,” hinting at a darker threat within the maze.
Thomas, determined to uncover the truth, decides to confront WICKED’s leaders, leaving Chuck behind to monitor the Glade. Despite Chuck’s reluctance, Thomas insists, emphasizing the need for answers. He and Teresa head to the restricted command room, where they demand an explanation for George’s death. A confrontational exchange ensues with an unfamiliar man, who eventually fetches Dr. Paige and Dr. Leavitt. Dr. Paige adopts a conciliatory tone, inviting them inside to discuss the incident, though Thomas remains skeptical of WICKED’s motives.
Inside the command room, Thomas is struck by the scale of WICKED’s operations, realizing how little he truly knows about their work. Dr. Paige attempts to reassure him, expressing disappointment in his lack of trust. However, Thomas and Teresa remain wary, acutely aware that every interaction could be a test. The sterile, controlled environment contrasts sharply with the chaos and emotion of the Glade, heightening Thomas’s unease. Dr. Paige leads them to a quieter area, promising an explanation, but Thomas’s suspicion lingers.
The chapter underscores the growing tension between the teens and WICKED, as Thomas grapples with the moral implications of the organization’s actions. The violent death of George serves as a catalyst, forcing Thomas to question WICKED’s ethics and his own role in their experiments. The chapter ends on an unresolved note, with Thomas and Teresa poised to receive answers, yet deeply uncertain about whether they can trust anything WICKED says. The themes of betrayal, control, and the cost of survival are central to the chapter’s emotional weight.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas react to George’s death, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Thomas is deeply affected by George’s death, experiencing shock, guilt, and a protective instinct toward Chuck, who is visibly traumatized. He comforts Chuck with assurances that “we’ll figure this out” and initiates a group hug with Teresa, showing his leadership and empathy. His reaction reveals his compassionate nature and sense of responsibility for his friends, even in situations beyond his control. However, his subsequent demand for answers from WICKED also highlights his growing distrust of the organization and his determination to seek truth, marking a shift toward proactive defiance.2. What is the significance of the “sting” on George’s body, and how does it connect to the larger mysteries of the Maze?
Answer:
The sting—a circular wound with black, spider-like veins—suggests George was attacked by a creature (likely a Griever) or infected by a toxin. Teresa identifies it as a “hell of a sting,” implying this is a known phenomenon in the Maze. This detail foreshadows the dangers lurking in the Glade and hints at WICKED’s experiments with biological threats. The sting’s grotesque appearance and Nick’s horrified examination deepen the mystery, suggesting WICKED is either unable or unwilling to control the Maze’s lethal elements, raising questions about their true motives.3. Analyze Dr. Paige’s interaction with Thomas and Teresa. How does her response to their confrontation reflect WICKED’s manipulative tactics?
Answer:
Dr. Paige adopts a calm, conciliatory tone, claiming she’ll explain “what went wrong” and expressing disappointment that Thomas and Teresa don’t trust WICKED. This manipulative approach deflects blame (“benefit of the doubt”) while avoiding accountability for George’s death. Her insistence on privacy (“I don’t want anyone else talking to you”) and staged sincerity suggest WICKED prioritizes control over transparency. Thomas’s realization that “everything could be a test” underscores the organization’s gaslighting techniques, conditioning subjects to doubt their own perceptions while maintaining authority.4. How does the chapter portray the psychological toll of WICKED’s experiments on the Gladers? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The Gladers exhibit severe trauma: Chuck trembles and cries uncontrollably, Alby kneels frozen in shock, and Newt sits miserably with his head in his hands. These reactions highlight the brutality of George’s death and the Gladers’ helplessness. Nick’s clinical examination of George’s body contrasts with his grief, suggesting dissociation. Thomas’s guilt over exposing Chuck to violence further emphasizes the emotional damage inflicted by WICKED. The dispersed, solitary wandering of other boys underscores isolation as a coping mechanism, painting a bleak picture of the experiment’s human cost.5. Why does Thomas leave Chuck behind when confronting WICKED, and what does this decision reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Thomas claims Chuck must monitor the screens for emergencies, but both know this is a pretext to protect him from further distress. Chuck’s reluctant acceptance shows his trust in Thomas, even as he senses the lie. Thomas’s choice reflects his dual role as both a leader shielding his friend and a pawn in WICKED’s games—he compartmentalizes his mission (seeking answers) from his care for Chuck. This moment underscores the tension between Thomas’s loyalty to individuals and his broader defiance of WICKED’s system.
Quotes
1. “‘Holy crap is right. What’s going on?’”
This quote captures the immediate shock and confusion Teresa and Thomas experience after witnessing a traumatic event in the Maze. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of fear, uncertainty, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
2. “‘We’ll figure this out, okay? I’m sure that…I don’t know. Something went wrong. Someone screwed up. It wasn’t meant to happen. This isn’t how the maze will be, okay?’”
Thomas attempts to comfort Chuck while grappling with his own disbelief and guilt. This quote highlights the theme of broken trust in the system and the characters’ struggle to reconcile their expectations with harsh reality.
3. “‘Stung,’ Teresa said. ‘That looks like one hell of a sting to me.’”
This pivotal moment reveals the cause of George’s death and introduces the dangerous “sting” phenomenon in the Maze. The quote marks a turning point where the characters begin confronting the true horrors of their environment.
4. “‘I’m going to get some answers.’”
Thomas’s determined statement represents his transition from passive observer to active participant in challenging WICKED’s authority. This quote foreshadows the confrontation to come and demonstrates Thomas’s growing leadership role.
5. “‘It didn’t matter what they did or what they said. Anything and everything could be a test set up by WICKED.’”
This internal realization by Thomas encapsulates the central tension of the chapter - the paranoia and manipulation inherent in WICKED’s experiments. It reflects the psychological toll on the characters and the fundamental lack of trust in their environment.