The Fever Code
Chapter 63
by Dashner, JamesThomas and Teresa have meticulously prepared for their escape from the WICKED complex, gathering critical knowledge about Grievers, securing weapons, and identifying a nearby Alaskan town for asylum. Thomas feels confident in their plan, which involves rallying the Gladers once inside the maze. The timing is crucial, and after months of waiting, the moment has finally arrived. Their strategy hinges on teamwork and the cooperation of allies like Aris and Rachel, who await their signal in a separate maze.
As the night unfolds, Thomas and Teresa share a rare moment of respite, reminiscing about their past and avoiding discussions of their impending mission. Their conversation shifts from lighthearted topics like conspiracy theories and history to the weight of their reality. Thomas accidentally breaks their unspoken rule by mentioning the escape plan, prompting Teresa to reaffirm her commitment. Their playful pinky promise underscores their deep bond and mutual trust, offering a brief escape from the tension.
The emotional weight of their situation surfaces as Teresa admits her lingering hope for a cure, despite their opposition to WICKED’s methods. Thomas shares her conflicted feelings but remains resolved to protect their friends. Their shared excitement and relief at finally acting overshadow their fears, culminating in a heartfelt embrace. Overwhelmed by emotion, Thomas sobs as they reflect on their journey, finding solace in each other’s presence.
In the final moments before dawn, Teresa reassures Thomas of their survival and success, solidifying their determination. They spend the night clinging to each other, drawing strength from their bond as they prepare to face the maze. The chapter captures their emotional vulnerability, unwavering resolve, and the bittersweet anticipation of the challenges ahead.
FAQs
1. What preparations had Thomas and Teresa made for their escape plan, and why were these specific preparations important?
Answer:
Thomas and Teresa meticulously prepared for their escape by studying Grievers’ weaknesses and power sources, understanding the maze’s structure, and securing codes to a nearby weapons cache. They also identified an Alaskan town just 30 miles from the WICKED complex for asylum. These preparations were crucial because Grievers were deadly obstacles in the maze, and knowledge of their vulnerabilities increased survival odds. The weapons cache provided means to defend themselves, while the planned asylum location offered a safe destination. Their coordination with Aris and Rachel ensured a unified escape effort, highlighting the importance of strategic planning against WICKED’s control.2. Analyze the significance of Thomas and Teresa’s conversation the night before their mission. How does it reveal their emotional states and relationship dynamics?
Answer:
Their lengthy conversation, ranging from childhood memories to philosophical discussions, served as an emotional respite before their dangerous mission. Thomas’s accidental mention of their plan (“You swear you’re not going to chicken out?”) underscores his anxiety, while Teresa’s reassurance (“I promise”) reflects her commitment. Their playful “pinky promise” and affectionate banter (“sweet dork”) reveal deep trust and camaraderie. The emotional climax—crying in each other’s arms—shows their vulnerability and mutual dependence. This intimacy contrasts with WICKED’s dehumanizing experiments, emphasizing their humanity and the stakes of their rebellion.3. How does the chapter portray the theme of “the point of no return”? Discuss its impact on Thomas’s mindset.
Answer:
The chapter frames the escape as irreversible—a transition from planning to action. Thomas describes feeling “excited” and relieved because the endless waiting is over: “Now it’s finally here, past the point of no return.” This mindset shift signifies his acceptance of risk and determination to act. The weight of this moment triggers his emotional outburst, blending fear, hope, and catharsis. The theme underscores the inevitability of confrontation with WICKED, propelling Thomas from passive preparation to active rebellion, which is pivotal for his character arc in the series.4. Evaluate Teresa’s internal conflict regarding WICKED’s goals. How does this complicate her alliance with Thomas?
Answer:
Teresa admits, “there’s still a part of me that thinks a cure is possible,” revealing lingering faith in WICKED’s mission despite her participation in the escape plan. This creates tension with Thomas, who unequivocally rejects their methods (“if they have to achieve it by torturing my friends, then it’s not right”). Her conflict humanizes her but also introduces doubt about her resolve, which Thomas subtly acknowledges with his unconvincing “Nah” when she calls herself a “dud.” This duality foreshadows potential future betrayals or moral dilemmas in their partnership.5. Why might the author have chosen to emphasize Thomas and Teresa’s physical closeness (e.g., hugging, pinky promise) in this scene?
Answer:
The physical intimacy—holding hands, hugging, lying together—serves multiple narrative purposes. First, it reinforces their emotional bond, making their alliance more poignant amid danger. Second, it contrasts with the sterile, oppressive environment of WICKED, asserting their humanity against institutional control. Third, their closeness acts as a metaphor for solidarity; their intertwined bodies mirror their intertwined fates. Finally, the tactile details (e.g., “his left leg pressed against hers”) ground the high-stakes plot in relatable sensations, deepening reader engagement with their relationship.
Quotes
1. “You swear you’re not going to chicken out? And you won’t let them change their minds about the Swipe?”
This quote captures Thomas’s vulnerability and the high stakes of their escape plan. It shows his reliance on Teresa and their shared fear of WICKED’s memory-altering “Swipe” procedure, setting the tone for their emotional conversation.
2. “I swear on the life of everyone I’ve ever loved that I’ll be in the Glade, with you, twenty-four hours after you’re inserted, just like we drew it up—memories intact. Okay? I promise.”
Teresa’s solemn vow represents the deep trust between the characters and their commitment to the dangerous plan. The emphasis on preserving memories highlights the central conflict with WICKED’s manipulation.
3. “All I know is that if they have to achieve it by torturing my friends, then it’s not right.”
Thomas’s moral stance against WICKED’s methods encapsulates the ethical core of their rebellion. This quote shows his growing conviction that the ends don’t justify the means, even for finding a cure.
4. “In a way, I’m excited. I think it’s more like relief. I’ve gotten so sick of the waiting, the waiting, the waiting.”
This reveals Thomas’s complex emotions as they approach their moment of action. The repetition of “waiting” emphasizes the prolonged tension leading to this turning point in their story.
5. “You mean the world to me… We will survive. I promise.”
These emotionally charged lines represent the chapter’s climax, showing the depth of Thomas and Teresa’s bond. Their promises to each other underscore both their hope and the life-or-death stakes of their mission.