Cover of The Maze Runner
    DystopianScience FictionYoung Adult

    The Maze Runner

    by Dashner, James
    “The Maze Runner” by James Dashner is a dystopian science fiction novel that follows Thomas, a teenage boy who wakes up in a mysterious glade surrounded by an ever-shifting maze. With no memory of his past, he joins a group of similarly amnesiac boys known as the Gladers, who must navigate the deadly labyrinth to survive. The maze is patrolled by biomechanical creatures called Grievers, adding to the danger. As Thomas uncovers fragments of his identity, he learns they are part of a sinister experiment. Themes of survival, identity, and societal control drive the plot, culminating in a gripping struggle for freedom. The novel’s fast-paced action and intricate world-building make it a standout in young adult dystopian literature.

    In Chap­ter 26 of *The Maze Run­ner*, Thomas grap­ples with the after­math of Gal­ly’s vio­lent out­burst dur­ing the Coun­cil meet­ing. Gal­ly, who has under­gone the Chang­ing, accus­es Thomas of being famil­iar and dan­ger­ous, leav­ing Thomas unset­tled and defen­sive. The Coun­cil mem­bers are divid­ed, with some dis­miss­ing Gal­ly as insane while oth­ers, like Win­ston, con­sid­er his claims. Thomas strug­gles to remain silent as the group debates his fate, frus­trat­ed by being dis­cussed as if he weren’t present. The ten­sion high­lights the grow­ing dis­trust and chaos in the Glade since Thomas’s arrival.

    Thomas final­ly speaks up, defend­ing his actions in the Maze and reject­ing Gal­ly’s accu­sa­tions. He argues that sav­ing Alby and Min­ho was the right choice, even if it broke the rules. Newt, act­ing as a medi­a­tor, pro­pos­es a com­pro­mise: Thomas will serve one day in the Slam­mer as pun­ish­ment but will also be pro­mot­ed to Run­ner for his brav­ery. Min­ho advo­cates for Thomas to become Keep­er, but Newt dis­miss­es the idea as pre­ma­ture. The vote large­ly favors Newt’s pro­pos­al, though Win­ston remains skep­ti­cal, urg­ing the group not to ignore Gally’s warn­ings entire­ly.

    The chap­ter cap­tures Thomas’s mixed emotions—relief at becom­ing a Run­ner, frus­tra­tion with the Council’s dis­mis­sive atti­tude, and lin­ger­ing unease about Gally’s claims. His inter­ac­tions with Min­ho and Newt reveal their com­plex dynam­ics, with Minho’s play­ful yet strate­gic sup­port con­trast­ing with Newt’s prag­mat­ic lead­er­ship. Thomas’s excite­ment about explor­ing the Maze is tem­pered by the real­iza­tion that his pres­ence has dis­rupt­ed the Glade’s frag­ile order, leav­ing unre­solved ques­tions about his true role.

    The chap­ter ends on a cliffhang­er as Chuck arrives with urgent news about Alby’s con­di­tion, hint­ing at fur­ther tur­moil. The abrupt inter­rup­tion under­scores the Glade’s insta­bil­i­ty and fore­shad­ows new chal­lenges for Thomas and the group. The chap­ter effec­tive­ly bal­ances ten­sion, char­ac­ter devel­op­ment, and plot pro­gres­sion, leav­ing read­ers eager to see how the con­flicts will unfold.

    FAQs

    • 1. How does Gally’s behavior in this chapter reveal the psychological toll of the Changing, and why does Winston suggest there might be validity to Gally’s claims despite his violent outburst?

      Answer:
      Gally’s behavior demonstrates the destabilizing effects of the Changing, as his memories (gained from being stung by a Griever) have left him paranoid and aggressive. His threats toward Thomas and Minho, along with his erratic actions, suggest the Changing may distort one’s perception of reality. Winston argues that Gally’s claims about Thomas being “familiar” shouldn’t be dismissed outright because the Changing grants real memories—however fragmented. This introduces tension: Is Gally truly insane, or is there truth buried in his hostility? The chapter leaves this ambiguous, forcing characters (and readers) to weigh the reliability of a traumatized mind.

      2. Analyze Thomas’s emotional progression in this chapter. How does his response to conflict differ from earlier in the book, and what does this reveal about his adaptation to the Glade?

      Answer:
      Thomas evolves from passive confusion to assertive frustration in this chapter. Initially, he remains silent during the Council’s debate, adhering to rules despite his anger. However, his outburst—”I’m sick of you guys talking about me like I’m not here”—marks a turning point. He defends his actions in the Maze with logical appeals (“If you want to throw me in jail for trying to save someone’s life, then go ahead”), showing growing confidence. His sarcasm (“Next time I’ll point at them and laugh”) reveals a toughened resilience. This shift underscores his adaptation: He’s learning to navigate the Glade’s politics while retaining his moral compass.

      3. Why does Newt’s punishment for Thomas (one day in the Slammer combined with promotion to Runner) reflect the Glade’s unique system of justice and meritocracy?

      Answer:
      Newt’s decision balances discipline and pragmatism. The Slammer acknowledges Thomas’s rule-breaking, maintaining the Council’s authority, but the light sentence (one day) recognizes his heroic intent. Simultaneously, promoting him to Runner rewards competence over blind obedience—a meritocratic principle vital for survival. As Newt notes, Thomas “proven more in one night than most trainees do in weeks.” This dual approach highlights the Glade’s prioritization of utility: Rules matter, but adaptability and skill matter more. It also subtly critiques Gally’s rigid hostility, suggesting the community thrives through measured flexibility.

      4. Minho jokes about aiming high to “hit low” with his proposal to make Thomas Keeper. What does this tactic reveal about leadership dynamics among the Gladers?

      Answer:
      Minho’s strategy—proposing an extreme (Thomas as Keeper) to achieve a compromise (Runner status)—reveals the Glade’s informal negotiation tactics. By overshooting, he makes Thomas’s promotion seem moderate, ensuring acceptance. This reflects a leadership style reliant on clever persuasion rather than rigid hierarchy. The playful punch afterward (“It’s all this shank’s fault”) further shows how camaraderie tempers authority. Unlike Gally’s confrontational approach, Minho leverages humor and psychology to influence outcomes, illustrating how the Gladers’ survival depends on social cohesion as much as rules.

      5. The chapter ends with Chuck’s ominous interruption about Alby. How does this cliffhanger function structurally, and what thematic purpose does it serve?

      Answer:
      The abrupt cutoff (“Alby’s thrashing aroun…”) creates urgency, shifting focus from Thomas’s personal conflict to a larger crisis. Structurally, it propels the plot forward, ensuring reader engagement. Thematically, it reinforces the Glade’s perpetual instability: Just as one conflict resolves (Thomas’s punishment), another emerges. Alby’s condition—likely tied to the Changing—mirrors Gally’s deterioration, suggesting a pattern of trauma. This cyclical tension underscores the novel’s central question: Can order coexist with the unknown? The interruption leaves characters (and readers) grappling with uncertainty, mirroring the Maze’s unsolvable nature.

    Quotes

    • 1. “He’s finally whacked for good… What were you thinking? That was a little overboard, don’t ya think?”

      This exchange between Newt and Minho captures the tension and moral ambiguity following Gally’s violent outburst. It highlights the conflict between justice and retribution, as well as the group’s struggle to maintain order amid rising chaos.

      2. “Every one of you loved seeing that slinthead get his dues, and you know it. It’s about time someone stood up to his klunk.”

      Minho’s defiant statement reveals the underlying resentment toward Gally and the catharsis of confronting a bully. This quote underscores the theme of mob mentality and the thin line between justice and vengeance in the Glade’s social dynamics.

      3. “If you want to throw me in jail for trying to save someone’s life, then go ahead. Next time I promise I’ll point at them and laugh, then go eat some of Frypan’s dinner.”

      Thomas’s sarcastic defense cuts to the heart of the chapter’s central conflict—the clash between rigid rules and moral imperatives. This quote exemplifies his growing assertiveness and challenges the Gladers’ blind adherence to their code.

      4. “You broke our bloody Number One Rule, so you get one day in the Slammer. That’s your punishment. I also recommend we elect you as a Runner, effective the second this meeting’s over.”

      Newt’s compromise decision represents a pivotal turning point, balancing discipline with recognition of Thomas’s potential. This moment crystallizes the chapter’s exploration of leadership, meritocracy, and the need for adaptable systems in extreme circumstances.

      5. “Something about it—I don’t think he just made it up. And it’s true that ever since Thomas got here, everything’s been shucked and screwy.”

      Winston’s lingering suspicion introduces persistent mystery about Thomas’s role in the Glade’s disruptions. This quote maintains the novel’s central tension regarding Thomas’s unknown past and foreshadows future revelations about his connection to the Maze.

    Quotes

    1. “He’s finally whacked for good… What were you thinking? That was a little overboard, don’t ya think?”

    This exchange between Newt and Minho captures the tension and moral ambiguity following Gally’s violent outburst. It highlights the conflict between justice and retribution, as well as the group’s struggle to maintain order amid rising chaos.

    2. “Every one of you loved seeing that slinthead get his dues, and you know it. It’s about time someone stood up to his klunk.”

    Minho’s defiant statement reveals the underlying resentment toward Gally and the catharsis of confronting a bully. This quote underscores the theme of mob mentality and the thin line between justice and vengeance in the Glade’s social dynamics.

    3. “If you want to throw me in jail for trying to save someone’s life, then go ahead. Next time I promise I’ll point at them and laugh, then go eat some of Frypan’s dinner.”

    Thomas’s sarcastic defense cuts to the heart of the chapter’s central conflict—the clash between rigid rules and moral imperatives. This quote exemplifies his growing assertiveness and challenges the Gladers’ blind adherence to their code.

    4. “You broke our bloody Number One Rule, so you get one day in the Slammer. That’s your punishment. I also recommend we elect you as a Runner, effective the second this meeting’s over.”

    Newt’s compromise decision represents a pivotal turning point, balancing discipline with recognition of Thomas’s potential. This moment crystallizes the chapter’s exploration of leadership, meritocracy, and the need for adaptable systems in extreme circumstances.

    5. “Something about it—I don’t think he just made it up. And it’s true that ever since Thomas got here, everything’s been shucked and screwy.”

    Winston’s lingering suspicion introduces persistent mystery about Thomas’s role in the Glade’s disruptions. This quote maintains the novel’s central tension regarding Thomas’s unknown past and foreshadows future revelations about his connection to the Maze.

    FAQs

    1. How does Gally’s behavior in this chapter reveal the psychological toll of the Changing, and why does Winston suggest there might be validity to Gally’s claims despite his violent outburst?

    Answer:
    Gally’s behavior demonstrates the destabilizing effects of the Changing, as his memories (gained from being stung by a Griever) have left him paranoid and aggressive. His threats toward Thomas and Minho, along with his erratic actions, suggest the Changing may distort one’s perception of reality. Winston argues that Gally’s claims about Thomas being “familiar” shouldn’t be dismissed outright because the Changing grants real memories—however fragmented. This introduces tension: Is Gally truly insane, or is there truth buried in his hostility? The chapter leaves this ambiguous, forcing characters (and readers) to weigh the reliability of a traumatized mind.

    2. Analyze Thomas’s emotional progression in this chapter. How does his response to conflict differ from earlier in the book, and what does this reveal about his adaptation to the Glade?

    Answer:
    Thomas evolves from passive confusion to assertive frustration in this chapter. Initially, he remains silent during the Council’s debate, adhering to rules despite his anger. However, his outburst—”I’m sick of you guys talking about me like I’m not here”—marks a turning point. He defends his actions in the Maze with logical appeals (“If you want to throw me in jail for trying to save someone’s life, then go ahead”), showing growing confidence. His sarcasm (“Next time I’ll point at them and laugh”) reveals a toughened resilience. This shift underscores his adaptation: He’s learning to navigate the Glade’s politics while retaining his moral compass.

    3. Why does Newt’s punishment for Thomas (one day in the Slammer combined with promotion to Runner) reflect the Glade’s unique system of justice and meritocracy?

    Answer:
    Newt’s decision balances discipline and pragmatism. The Slammer acknowledges Thomas’s rule-breaking, maintaining the Council’s authority, but the light sentence (one day) recognizes his heroic intent. Simultaneously, promoting him to Runner rewards competence over blind obedience—a meritocratic principle vital for survival. As Newt notes, Thomas “proven more in one night than most trainees do in weeks.” This dual approach highlights the Glade’s prioritization of utility: Rules matter, but adaptability and skill matter more. It also subtly critiques Gally’s rigid hostility, suggesting the community thrives through measured flexibility.

    4. Minho jokes about aiming high to “hit low” with his proposal to make Thomas Keeper. What does this tactic reveal about leadership dynamics among the Gladers?

    Answer:
    Minho’s strategy—proposing an extreme (Thomas as Keeper) to achieve a compromise (Runner status)—reveals the Glade’s informal negotiation tactics. By overshooting, he makes Thomas’s promotion seem moderate, ensuring acceptance. This reflects a leadership style reliant on clever persuasion rather than rigid hierarchy. The playful punch afterward (“It’s all this shank’s fault”) further shows how camaraderie tempers authority. Unlike Gally’s confrontational approach, Minho leverages humor and psychology to influence outcomes, illustrating how the Gladers’ survival depends on social cohesion as much as rules.

    5. The chapter ends with Chuck’s ominous interruption about Alby. How does this cliffhanger function structurally, and what thematic purpose does it serve?

    Answer:
    The abrupt cutoff (“Alby’s thrashing aroun…”) creates urgency, shifting focus from Thomas’s personal conflict to a larger crisis. Structurally, it propels the plot forward, ensuring reader engagement. Thematically, it reinforces the Glade’s perpetual instability: Just as one conflict resolves (Thomas’s punishment), another emerges. Alby’s condition—likely tied to the Changing—mirrors Gally’s deterioration, suggesting a pattern of trauma. This cyclical tension underscores the novel’s central question: Can order coexist with the unknown? The interruption leaves characters (and readers) grappling with uncertainty, mirroring the Maze’s unsolvable nature.

    Note