
The Maze Runner
Chapter 26
by Dashner, JamesIn 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.