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    Science FictionYoung Adult

    The Fever Code

    by Dashner, James
    “The Fever Code” by James Dashner is a prequel to the “Maze Runner” series, exploring the origins of the Glade and the Maze. The story follows Thomas and his childhood friend Teresa as they navigate the sinister experiments of WICKED, the organization behind the trials. Key themes include trust, survival, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation. The novel provides crucial backstory, revealing how the characters’ pasts shape their futures in the Maze. Dashner’s tense narrative and world-building deepen the series’ lore, making it essential for fans.
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    The Fever Code

    Chapter 9

    by Dashner, James

    In Chap­ter 8 of *The Fever Code*, young Thomas is con­front­ed by Dr. Leav­itt about break­ing med­ical pro­to­cols after he inter­acts with anoth­er child, Min­ho, who has under­gone surgery. Leav­itt empha­sizes the impor­tance of safe­ty and explains that Thomas is being prepped for a pro­ce­dure to implant a device in his head, fram­ing it as vital for research­ing immu­ni­ty to the Flare virus. Thomas, though con­fused and fear­ful, reluc­tant­ly agrees, but his pan­ic grows when he over­hears Tere­sa, a girl from a near­by room, scream­ing in the hall­way. Ignor­ing Leavitt’s warn­ings, Thomas rush­es to her aid, only to be sub­dued by nurs­es and sedat­ed by Leav­itt.

    Dur­ing seda­tion, Thomas expe­ri­ences vivid dreams, includ­ing night­mares of a dystopi­an world and a fleet­ing, peace­ful mem­o­ry of his par­ents. His dreams repeat­ed­ly return to Tere­sa, recall­ing her defi­ant words: *“Some­day we’ll be big­ger.”* These words com­fort him, sym­bol­iz­ing hope and rebel­lion against their oppres­sive cir­cum­stances. The dream shifts as he is forcibly awak­ened, leav­ing him cling­ing to the brief con­nec­tion he shared with Tere­sa, a girl he bare­ly knows but feels deeply drawn to as a poten­tial ally and friend.

    Upon wak­ing, Thomas is dis­ori­ent­ed and encoun­ters Dr. Paige, who reas­sures him about the pro­ce­dure while keep­ing details vague. Though grog­gy, Thomas recalls his impul­sive attempt to help Tere­sa with a mix of amuse­ment and pride, despite its futil­i­ty. Dr. Paige’s calm demeanor con­trasts with Leavitt’s stern­ness, but her eva­sive­ness about the surgery’s specifics leaves Thomas with lin­ger­ing unease. The chap­ter high­lights his vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty and courage, as well as the moral ambi­gu­i­ty of the adults’ actions in the name of sav­ing human­i­ty.

    The chap­ter under­scores themes of trust, resis­tance, and the loss of inno­cence as Thomas nav­i­gates a world where chil­dren are manip­u­lat­ed for a greater cause. His fleet­ing bond with Tere­sa becomes a sym­bol of defi­ance, hint­ing at future alliances. The med­ical pro­ce­dures and the adults’ jus­ti­fi­ca­tions raise eth­i­cal ques­tions, while Thomas’s dreams and reac­tions reveal his inner tur­moil and long­ing for con­nec­tion in a con­trolled, hos­tile envi­ron­ment.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the primary medical procedure being performed on Thomas in this chapter, and why does Dr. Leavitt justify it as necessary?

      Answer:
      The primary procedure involves implanting a “small instrument” in Thomas’s head to study the “killzones of the immune” and understand why he is immune to the Flare virus. Dr. Leavitt justifies this invasive surgery by emphasizing the dire state of humanity, stating that Thomas’s cooperation is vital to finding a cure. He frames it as a minor, painless intervention with quick recovery, downplaying risks by mentioning reduced need for blood tests (“arm pricks”) and promising post-operative pain management. However, Thomas’s internal skepticism (“made it sound so reasonable to cut open a kid’s brain”) hints at the ethical ambiguity of the procedure (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

      2. Analyze Thomas’s reaction to Teresa’s distress in the hallway. What does this reveal about his character and his relationship with her?

      Answer:
      Thomas instinctively rushes to defend Teresa despite Leavitt’s warnings, showcasing his compassion and defiance against authority. His actions—yelling, charging at the nurses, and attempting a physical intervention—reveal a deep empathy for her suffering and a willingness to act impulsively for justice. Teresa’s awe (“Awe. Wonder. Could that be almost a smile?”) suggests a mutual recognition of bravery, forging a bond between them. Thomas’s later reflection (“At least he’d shown Teresa he cared”) underscores his desire for connection in their isolated environment. This moment foreshadows their future alliance and highlights Thomas’s innate heroism (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

      3. How does the chapter use dreams to explore Thomas’s psychological state and unspoken desires?

      Answer:
      Thomas’s post-surgery dreams juxtapose trauma and longing. The nightmare of “scorched and ruined” landscapes and pursuing monsters reflects his subconscious fear of the Flare’s devastation and the experiments’ horrors. In contrast, the picnic dream with his parents symbolizes a yearning for familial comfort and normalcy, while the shared silence with Teresa in another dream reveals his desperate need for companionship. The recurring line “Someday we’ll be bigger” (Teresa’s words) becomes a mantra of hope and resistance, illustrating how dreams serve as an emotional outlet for Thomas’s suppressed fears and desires (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

      4. Evaluate Dr. Leavitt’s and Dr. Paige’s differing approaches to managing Thomas’s anxiety about the surgery. Which is more effective, and why?

      Answer:
      Dr. Leavitt employs logical persuasion (“you know the stakes”) and forced cheerfulness to downplay risks, but his strained patience and syringe use reveal underlying coercion. In contrast, Dr. Paige adopts a gentler tone, encouraging Thomas to “relax” and “enjoy the medicine,” using humor to ease his fears. Her approach is more effective because it acknowledges his discomfort without dismissing it, fostering temporary trust. However, both methods ultimately prioritize the surgery’s goals over Thomas’s autonomy, as seen when Paige deflects his questions about the procedure’s specifics (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

      5. Critical Thinking: How does this chapter frame the ethics of experimenting on children for a “greater good”? Provide evidence from the text.

      Answer:
      The chapter critiques utilitarian ethics through Thomas’s perspective. While WICKED justifies the experiments as vital for humanity’s survival (Leavitt: “the human race is in serious trouble”), Thomas’s youth and limited understanding (“I’m not even ten years old”) underscore the exploitation of vulnerable subjects. The staff’s casual demeanor—Leavitt’s syringe use, the nurses’ “amusement” at Thomas’s protest—highlights institutional dehumanization. Teresa’s scream and Thomas’s panic (“bubble of panic… burst”) personalize the trauma, challenging whether the ends justify the means. The phrase “Someday we’ll be bigger” subtly critiques the adults’ betrayal of their duty to protect children (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    Quotes

    • 1. “We’re studying the killzones of the immune so we can find a cure. You are immune. And all we’re doing today is placing a small instrument in your head that will help us understand what makes you different.”

      (Dr. Leavitt to Thomas)
      This quote captures the manipulative justification used by WICKED to experiment on children. It highlights the ethical dilemma of sacrificing individuals for the “greater good” and introduces the central conflict of trust vs. exploitation.

      2. “Someday we’ll be bigger.”

      (Teresa to Thomas as she’s dragged away)
      A pivotal moment of rebellion and hope, this quote foreshadows the children’s eventual resistance against WICKED. It symbolizes their latent power and solidarity, even in captivity.

      3. “He clung to those words. Saw her say them over and over in his dreams. There was something so tough about them, so…rebellious.”

      (Thomas reflecting on Teresa’s words)
      This internal monologue reveals how Teresa’s defiance becomes a psychological anchor for Thomas. It underscores the theme of hope as a survival mechanism in oppressive environments.

      4. “Thomas did feel floaty, peaceful. The whole incident with Teresa seemed almost funny now.”

      (Thomas post-surgery under drugs)
      The contrast between trauma and chemical-induced detachment emphasizes WICKED’s control tactics. It also mirrors the moral numbness of the adults perpetuating the experiments.

      5. “I’d say you’re taking my advice to heart.”

      (Dr. Paige observing Thomas’s drugged state)
      Her chillingly casual remark underscores the institutionalized cruelty of WICKED, framing compliance as “advice” and obscuring the violence of their procedures with false benevolence.

    Quotes

    1. “We’re studying the killzones of the immune so we can find a cure. You are immune. And all we’re doing today is placing a small instrument in your head that will help us understand what makes you different.”

    (Dr. Leavitt to Thomas)
    This quote captures the manipulative justification used by WICKED to experiment on children. It highlights the ethical dilemma of sacrificing individuals for the “greater good” and introduces the central conflict of trust vs. exploitation.

    2. “Someday we’ll be bigger.”

    (Teresa to Thomas as she’s dragged away)
    A pivotal moment of rebellion and hope, this quote foreshadows the children’s eventual resistance against WICKED. It symbolizes their latent power and solidarity, even in captivity.

    3. “He clung to those words. Saw her say them over and over in his dreams. There was something so tough about them, so…rebellious.”

    (Thomas reflecting on Teresa’s words)
    This internal monologue reveals how Teresa’s defiance becomes a psychological anchor for Thomas. It underscores the theme of hope as a survival mechanism in oppressive environments.

    4. “Thomas did feel floaty, peaceful. The whole incident with Teresa seemed almost funny now.”

    (Thomas post-surgery under drugs)
    The contrast between trauma and chemical-induced detachment emphasizes WICKED’s control tactics. It also mirrors the moral numbness of the adults perpetuating the experiments.

    5. “I’d say you’re taking my advice to heart.”

    (Dr. Paige observing Thomas’s drugged state)
    Her chillingly casual remark underscores the institutionalized cruelty of WICKED, framing compliance as “advice” and obscuring the violence of their procedures with false benevolence.

    FAQs

    1. What is the primary medical procedure being performed on Thomas in this chapter, and why does Dr. Leavitt justify it as necessary?

    Answer:
    The primary procedure involves implanting a “small instrument” in Thomas’s head to study the “killzones of the immune” and understand why he is immune to the Flare virus. Dr. Leavitt justifies this invasive surgery by emphasizing the dire state of humanity, stating that Thomas’s cooperation is vital to finding a cure. He frames it as a minor, painless intervention with quick recovery, downplaying risks by mentioning reduced need for blood tests (“arm pricks”) and promising post-operative pain management. However, Thomas’s internal skepticism (“made it sound so reasonable to cut open a kid’s brain”) hints at the ethical ambiguity of the procedure (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    2. Analyze Thomas’s reaction to Teresa’s distress in the hallway. What does this reveal about his character and his relationship with her?

    Answer:
    Thomas instinctively rushes to defend Teresa despite Leavitt’s warnings, showcasing his compassion and defiance against authority. His actions—yelling, charging at the nurses, and attempting a physical intervention—reveal a deep empathy for her suffering and a willingness to act impulsively for justice. Teresa’s awe (“Awe. Wonder. Could that be almost a smile?”) suggests a mutual recognition of bravery, forging a bond between them. Thomas’s later reflection (“At least he’d shown Teresa he cared”) underscores his desire for connection in their isolated environment. This moment foreshadows their future alliance and highlights Thomas’s innate heroism (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    3. How does the chapter use dreams to explore Thomas’s psychological state and unspoken desires?

    Answer:
    Thomas’s post-surgery dreams juxtapose trauma and longing. The nightmare of “scorched and ruined” landscapes and pursuing monsters reflects his subconscious fear of the Flare’s devastation and the experiments’ horrors. In contrast, the picnic dream with his parents symbolizes a yearning for familial comfort and normalcy, while the shared silence with Teresa in another dream reveals his desperate need for companionship. The recurring line “Someday we’ll be bigger” (Teresa’s words) becomes a mantra of hope and resistance, illustrating how dreams serve as an emotional outlet for Thomas’s suppressed fears and desires (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    4. Evaluate Dr. Leavitt’s and Dr. Paige’s differing approaches to managing Thomas’s anxiety about the surgery. Which is more effective, and why?

    Answer:
    Dr. Leavitt employs logical persuasion (“you know the stakes”) and forced cheerfulness to downplay risks, but his strained patience and syringe use reveal underlying coercion. In contrast, Dr. Paige adopts a gentler tone, encouraging Thomas to “relax” and “enjoy the medicine,” using humor to ease his fears. Her approach is more effective because it acknowledges his discomfort without dismissing it, fostering temporary trust. However, both methods ultimately prioritize the surgery’s goals over Thomas’s autonomy, as seen when Paige deflects his questions about the procedure’s specifics (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    5. Critical Thinking: How does this chapter frame the ethics of experimenting on children for a “greater good”? Provide evidence from the text.

    Answer:
    The chapter critiques utilitarian ethics through Thomas’s perspective. While WICKED justifies the experiments as vital for humanity’s survival (Leavitt: “the human race is in serious trouble”), Thomas’s youth and limited understanding (“I’m not even ten years old”) underscore the exploitation of vulnerable subjects. The staff’s casual demeanor—Leavitt’s syringe use, the nurses’ “amusement” at Thomas’s protest—highlights institutional dehumanization. Teresa’s scream and Thomas’s panic (“bubble of panic… burst”) personalize the trauma, challenging whether the ends justify the means. The phrase “Someday we’ll be bigger” subtly critiques the adults’ betrayal of their duty to protect children (Chapter 8, pp. 224.9.2).

    Note