The Fever Code
Chapter 54
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with Thomas being interrupted by Teresa, who shows him a mysterious memo allegedly sent from his account. The memo, dated after the Purge, claims Thomas takes responsibility for WICKED’s actions and emphasizes the organization’s strength under new Chancellor Ava Paige. Thomas is baffled, as he never wrote or authorized the message. Teresa then reveals another memo, purportedly from former Chancellor Kevin Anderson, which paints his resignation as voluntary due to the Flare’s effects, despite Thomas knowing the truth was far darker. Both documents appear to be fabrications, likely orchestrated by Dr. Paige to manipulate perceptions.
Thomas and Teresa confront Dr. Paige about the forged memos, accusing her of rewriting history to legitimize her leadership. Dr. Paige defends her actions, explaining they provide stability and a symbolic bridge between WICKED’s past and future. She admits to overstepping but frames it as necessary for the organization’s cohesion. Thomas, however, feels betrayed and distrustful, unable to reconcile her lies with her role as a leader. His anger simmers as he leaves, realizing Dr. Paige’s deceit may extend far beyond the memos.
Returning to his room, Thomas grapples with his emotions, feeling isolated and uncertain. He longs to reunite with his friends in the Maze, imagining a future where they are free and the Flare is cured. His thoughts oscillate between hope and cynicism, picturing a peaceful life with Minho, Newt, and others, yet dismissing it as unrealistic. The contrast between his idealized vision and the grim reality of WICKED’s manipulations leaves him emotionally exhausted.
The chapter ends with Thomas succumbing to sleep, torn between his desire to escape WICKED’s control and the grim necessity of finding a cure. His internal conflict highlights the tension between personal freedom and collective survival, underscored by Dr. Paige’s manipulations. The fabricated memos symbolize the erosion of trust within WICKED, leaving Thomas questioning what other secrets lurk beneath the surface. His fleeting dreams of a better future serve as a poignant counterpoint to the harsh truths he faces.
FAQs
1. What are the two memos Teresa shows Thomas, and why are they significant?
Answer:
Teresa shows Thomas two fabricated memos. The first is attributed to Thomas himself, dated 231.5.22, taking responsibility for “the Purge” and emphasizing WICKED’s strength under Ava Paige’s new leadership. The second is a farewell memo supposedly from Chancellor Kevin Anderson, dated 231.5.4, explaining his deterioration due to the Flare and endorsing Ava Paige as his successor. These memos are significant because they reveal Dr. Paige’s manipulation—rewriting history to legitimize her authority and create a false narrative of continuity. Thomas recognizes the deception, realizing Paige is using their names to control perceptions and consolidate power within WICKED.2. How does Dr. Paige justify her actions when confronted by Thomas and Teresa?
Answer:
Dr. Paige claims the fabricated memos help others cope with the aftermath of the Purge by providing a “sense of order.” She argues they demonstrate Thomas’s maturity and involvement in WICKED while symbolically bridging the old and new leadership. Her tone is dismissive yet patronizing, praising Thomas to deflect criticism. When Teresa points out she should have asked permission, Paige feigns regret but ultimately defends her actions as necessary for organizational stability. This reveals her manipulative tendencies—using flattery and false apologies to mask her lies and maintain control.3. Analyze Thomas’s internal conflict at the end of the chapter. What does it reveal about his character and the broader themes of the story?
Answer:
Thomas grapples with anger, betrayal, and helplessness after confronting Dr. Paige. He wishes to escape WICKED but feels trapped by the need for a cure, especially for non-immune friends like Newt. His fleeting fantasy of a peaceful future with his friends contrasts sharply with his cynical realization that it’s “a load of crap,” highlighting his growing disillusionment. This conflict underscores themes of agency vs. sacrifice—Thomas wants to rebel but feels compelled to endure WICKED’s lies for the “greater good.” It also foreshadows his eventual decision to enter the Maze, seeking purpose beyond WICKED’s manipulations.4. How does the chapter portray the ethical dilemmas surrounding WICKED’s leadership?
Answer:
The chapter exposes WICKED’s moral ambiguity through Dr. Paige’s fabricated memos and Thomas’s reaction. Paige justifies deception as a means to maintain stability, prioritizing the organization’s goals over transparency. Meanwhile, Anderson’s (likely forged) memo frames his resignation as a selfless act, masking the brutality of the Purge. These actions raise questions about ends justifying means—can WICKED’s pursuit of a cure excuse its lies and coercion? Thomas’s anger reflects the tension between utilitarian ideals (“greater good”) and individual autonomy, critiquing systems that demand unquestioning obedience under the guise of benevolence.5. Compare Teresa’s and Thomas’s responses to the memos. What does this reveal about their relationship and roles in WICKED?
Answer:
Teresa is the one who discovers the memos and brings them to Thomas, showing her investigative nature and access to sensitive information. However, she remains relatively passive during the confrontation, only interjecting to suggest Paige should have asked permission. Thomas, by contrast, reacts with visceral anger and directly challenges Paige, though he ultimately retreats. This dynamic highlights Teresa’s pragmatism (accepting WICKED’s flaws to survive) versus Thomas’s emotional resistance. Their differing responses foreshadow future conflicts, as Teresa aligns more closely with WICKED’s authority while Thomas questions it, straining their bond.
Quotes
1. “What we have to keep in mind, though, is that WICKED is alive and stronger than ever. The maze is up and running, and our studies are in full swing. We’re on the path and we can’t stray from it.”
This fabricated memo attributed to Thomas reveals WICKED’s manipulative tactics to maintain control and justify their actions after the Purge. It underscores the organization’s relentless focus on their mission, even at the cost of ethical boundaries.
2. “The noble cause we began over a decade ago will see itself to fruition. Our efforts, and for almost all of us, our lives, will have been spent justly and for the greater good. The cure will be built.”
The falsified farewell memo from Chancellor Anderson highlights WICKED’s propaganda—framing their brutal experiments as noble sacrifices. This quote exemplifies how the organization romanticizes suffering to justify its actions.
3. “It helps the others deal with our current situation, Thomas… Gives them a better sense of order. It also shows how involved you are in this organization and how mature you’ve all become.”
Dr. Paige’s justification for forging memos demonstrates WICKED’s psychological manipulation tactics. Her words reveal how the organization manufactures narratives to control perceptions and reinforce hierarchy among its subjects.
4. “He just wanted to lie to himself and do it. The future, a Crank-free world, he and his friends living in paradise. Talk about a load of crap.”
Thomas’s bitter internal monologue captures the central tension between hope and disillusionment. This moment reveals his growing awareness of WICKED’s deceptions and the hollow nature of their promised utopia.
5. “Everything felt different. He couldn’t tell Teresa what he was thinking… if Dr. Paige was devious about that, what else was she hiding from them?”
This reflection marks a turning point in Thomas’s trust toward WICKED. The quote encapsulates his dawning realization of systemic deceit and the isolation that comes with questioning authority.