The Fever Code
Chapter 55
by Dashner, JamesThomas, overwhelmed by guilt and anger, finds solace in observing his friends in the maze from the observation room. His relationship with Teresa has grown distant as she copes by immersing herself in work, though they maintain contact through telepathy. Thomas avoids most social interactions, spending his free time reading, sleeping, or watching the Gladers, who have established a stable community. Eavesdropping on their conversations makes him feel connected, almost as if he were part of their world, providing a temporary escape from his reality with WICKED.
Chuck visits Thomas, bringing a mix of excitement and fear about his impending entry into the maze. Their bond is strong, with Thomas relying on Chuck for emotional support. They share inside jokes and slang from the Glade, lightening the mood despite the underlying tension. Chuck’s enthusiasm for joining the maze contrasts with Thomas’s awareness of its dangers, highlighting the innocence of youth. Their conversation is cut short when Thomas is called to a mysterious meeting, leaving Chuck disappointed but hopeful for later.
At the meeting, Dr. Paige introduces Jorge, a skilled Berg pilot, and Brenda, an aspiring Psych, who will join an expedition to the Scorch, a city overrun by Cranks. Thomas and Teresa are puzzled by the sudden introduction and the mission’s purpose. Brenda’s determined response about finding a cure hints at a deeper personal motivation. The chapter ends with Thomas sensing there’s more to the mission than Dr. Paige reveals, leaving him uneasy and curious about what lies ahead.
The chapter underscores Thomas’s internal struggle, his reliance on Chuck, and the shifting dynamics within WICKED. The introduction of new characters and the Scorch expedition foreshadow future challenges. Thomas’s observations of the Gladers serve as both comfort and a reminder of his isolation, while the meeting hints at larger, darker plans brewing within the organization. The tension between hope and dread permeates the chapter, setting the stage for impending conflict.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas cope with his guilt and anger after the Purge, and what does this reveal about his emotional state?
Answer:
Thomas copes by retreating to the observation room to watch his old friends in the maze, which temporarily alleviates his overwhelming guilt and anger. The text describes these emotions as “slow trickles that joined to become a deluge,” suggesting he is emotionally drowning. His isolation—avoiding Teresa and spending most of his time alone—highlights his internal struggle. Observing the Gladers gives him a sense of connection and normalcy, revealing his deep longing for the life he once had and his inability to fully reconcile with his role in WICKED’s experiments.2. Analyze the relationship dynamics between Thomas and Chuck. How does their bond contrast with Thomas’s relationship with Teresa?
Answer:
Thomas and Chuck share a brotherly bond, with Chuck serving as Thomas’s emotional anchor. Thomas admits Chuck prevents him from “breaking,” showing deep reliance on their friendship. Their playful use of Glader slang (e.g., “shank,” “klunk”) reflects intimacy and shared humor. In contrast, Thomas and Teresa have grown distant; though they communicate telepathically, Teresa buries herself in work, and their interactions lack warmth. The text notes Thomas “misses her,” underscoring emotional disconnection despite their history, whereas Chuck provides immediate, unwavering support.3. What is the significance of the Gladers’ invented slang (e.g., “klunk”), and how does WICKED interpret this phenomenon?
Answer:
The slang represents the Gladers’ attempt to rebuild identity and culture after memory loss (the Swipe). Words like “klunk” (likely a crude term) and “shank” reflect creativity and social bonding in adversity. WICKED’s Psychs find this linguistic innovation fascinating, particularly how the Swipe heightens traits like Minho’s profanity. This suggests WICKED views the Gladers as experimental subjects rather than individuals, studying their behaviors for data. The slang also serves as a subtle rebellion—a way for the Gladers to assert autonomy in a controlled environment.4. How does Dr. Paige’s demeanor during the meeting with Thomas and Teresa reflect WICKED’s manipulative tactics?
Answer:
Dr. Paige feigns ignorance about Thomas’s activities (“Helping Chuck prep for his big trip?”), though she monitors him constantly. Her “innocent” smile and forced casualness mask surveillance and control, highlighting WICKED’s manipulation. By introducing Jorge and Brenda abruptly—and framing the Scorch expedition as “significant research potential”—she avoids full transparency, leaving Thomas uneasy. Her performative politeness contrasts with the ominous undertones of the mission, reinforcing WICKED’s pattern of withholding information to maintain authority over subjects like Thomas and Teresa.5. Why might Brenda’s response (“Whatever it takes to find a cure”) and haunted expression be significant foreshadowing?
Answer:
Brenda’s statement suggests personal stakes in the cure, possibly tied to trauma (her “haunted” look). This foreshadows revelations about the Scorch’s horrors or her backstory—perhaps she has lost someone to the Flare. Her determination mirrors WICKED’s ruthless ethos, hinting she may grapple with moral compromises later. The phrase also echoes WICKED’s justification for unethical experiments, implying Brenda could become an ally or antagonist in Thomas’s journey, depending on how far she’ll go for the cure.
Quotes
1. “Over the last few weeks, the guilt and anger had continued to build, slow trickles that joined to become a deluge, and now he was drowning. There was only one way he could ever bring the air back into his lungs. Being here, watching his old friends in the maze.”
This quote captures Thomas’s emotional turmoil and his coping mechanism of observing the Gladers, highlighting his deep connection to them despite his physical separation. It sets the tone for his internal conflict throughout the chapter.
2. “‘Anything new out there?’ Newt asked, the sarcasm obvious. ‘Did a bloody Griever come out and ask for a snog?’”
This exchange between Newt and Minho exemplifies the Gladers’ dark humor and their way of dealing with the monotony and danger of the Maze. It also reflects the camaraderie and resilience of the characters in the face of their grim reality.
3. “‘It’ll be here before you know it,’ he said. ‘Which means,’ Chuck said, ‘that all of this’ll be over before we know it, too.’”
This dialogue between Thomas and Chuck underscores the bittersweet anticipation of Chuck’s impending entry into the Maze. It highlights the mix of hope and fear about the future, as well as the bond between the two characters.
4. “‘Whatever it takes to find a cure,’ she said. It seemed like an odd response, but something haunted hid behind her eyes, something that probably explained exactly why she’d answered that way.”
Brenda’s statement reveals her determination and the personal stakes she has in the mission, hinting at a deeper backstory. This quote introduces her character and foreshadows her role in the upcoming expedition to the Scorch.
5. “‘We’d like you to help us on an upcoming expedition,’ Dr. Paige said. ‘In a few weeks, Jorge, Brenda, and quite a few others will be sent to a place called the Scorch. We’re very interested in what we may find inside a nearby city infested with Cranks. Significant research potential.’”
This announcement marks a key turning point in the chapter, setting up the next phase of the story. It introduces the Scorch and the Cranks, expanding the world and the challenges the characters will face.