The Maze Runner
Chapter 35
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 35 of *The Maze Runner*, Thomas and Minho stand at the edge of the Cliff, observing the gray abyss before them. Minho concludes that the Grievers must be exiting the Maze through this seemingly empty space, based on their previous encounters. Thomas speculates that if the Grievers can leave this way, perhaps the Gladers can too, sparking a mix of excitement and skepticism. The two decide to test the theory by throwing rocks into the void, hoping to uncover a hidden exit. Their methodical approach reflects their determination to solve the Maze’s mysteries despite the risks.
As Thomas and Minho toss rocks in a zigzag pattern, most disappear into the abyss without a trace. However, one rock vanishes mid-air, revealing a small, invisible doorway. The discovery shocks them, as it suggests advanced technology or illusions masking the Griever’s passage. They meticulously document the location and size of the “Griever Hole,” realizing it’s a narrow passage the creatures must navigate. The revelation fuels Thomas’s curiosity about the Maze’s design, though Minho remains focused on their immediate duties as Runners.
Despite the breakthrough, the pair continues their routine Maze run, noting minor wall shifts but finding no further anomalies. Thomas feels a strong urge to stay overnight and observe the Maze’s changes, but Minho advises caution, emphasizing the need to report their findings first. The Glade’s somber atmosphere, exacerbated by the unchanging gray sky, weighs on them as they return. Minho insists on updating their Maps before sharing their discovery, highlighting his commitment to their role even amid extraordinary circumstances.
The chapter ends with Thomas and Minho entering the Map Room, where other Runners work in silence, their morale dampened by the eerie sky. Thomas, however, remains energized by their discovery, eager to share it with Newt and Alby. The tension between routine and revelation underscores the Gladers’ struggle to balance survival with solving the Maze’s secrets. The chapter leaves readers anticipating the implications of the Griever Hole and the Gladers’ next steps.
FAQs
1. What discovery do Thomas and Minho make at the Cliff, and how do they test their theory?
Answer:
Thomas and Minho discover a hidden “Griever Hole” at the Cliff—an invisible, square-shaped exit point where Grievers appear to leave the Maze. To test this, they systematically throw rocks in a grid pattern across the abyss. Most rocks fall into the void, but when thrown at a specific spot, the rocks vanish midair, confirming the presence of a concealed doorway. Minho documents the exact location and dimensions, noting it aligns with the Grievers’ unexplained disappearances earlier. This methodical approach reveals a small, fixed passage, likely used by the creatures to enter and exit the Maze.2. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of skepticism versus observation in scientific inquiry?
Answer:
The chapter highlights how preconceived notions can blind individuals to reality. Minho admits they’d previously thrown objects off the Cliff without noticing the disappearing rocks, attributing this oversight to disbelief: “you don’t look very hard for things you don’t believe will or can happen.” Only through deliberate, repeated experimentation do they observe the anomaly. This mirrors scientific inquiry, where biases must be overcome through rigorous observation. Thomas’s openness to the impossible (“it’s not magic”) further underscores the need for empirical evidence over assumptions.3. Analyze the significance of the “Griever Hole” discovery for the Gladers’ survival.
Answer:
The Griever Hole represents both danger and potential escape. It confirms the Grievers’ access point to the Maze, explaining their sudden appearances, but also suggests a possible exit for the Gladers. Thomas’s immediate thought—”so could we”—reflects its dual implications. However, Minho’s caution (“death wish”) tempers this hope, emphasizing the risks of confronting Grievers. The discovery shifts their understanding of the Maze’s mechanics, providing critical data for future strategies, though practical use remains uncertain. It symbolizes the tension between hope and peril in their quest for freedom.4. How does the chapter’s setting (e.g., the gray abyss, unchanging sky) contribute to the mood and plot development?
Answer:
The monotonous gray void and static sky amplify the Gladers’ despair and disorientation. The abyss’s emptiness mirrors their lack of answers, while the unchanging light (“dim since morning”) reinforces the Glade’s artificiality, heightening tension. This environment makes the Griever Hole’s discovery more jarring, as it defies the apparent nothingness. The setting also reflects Thomas’s emotional state: his initial excitement (“thrill”) fades to discouragement (“heavy mass of blah”) before reigniting with the vanishing rocks, mirroring the plot’s swings between futility and revelation.5. Evaluate Minho’s leadership style in this chapter. How does it contrast with Thomas’s approach?
Answer:
Minho demonstrates pragmatic leadership: he methodically tests the Cliff theory, prioritizes note-taking (“memorize it in your shuck head”), and insists on completing their Runner duties despite the discovery. His caution (“One thing at a time, Greenie”) balances Thomas’s impulsiveness. Thomas, meanwhile, leans into curiosity, proposing risky ideas (“we could leave this way”) and fixating on the Hole’s implications. Their dynamic shows effective collaboration—Minho’s discipline grounds Thomas’s creativity, while Thomas’s intuition pushes Minho to question assumptions, as seen when he revises his “trick” theory about the Grievers.
Quotes
1. “Not much doubt anymore—somehow the Grievers can leave the Maze this way. Looks like magic, but so does the sun disappearing.”
This quote captures the pivotal moment when Minho and Thomas realize the Grievers’ escape route, marking a major breakthrough in understanding the Maze’s mechanics. It also reflects the theme of apparent magic being explainable by advanced technology.
2. “If there’s some kind of optical illusion hiding an exit from this place, I don’t wanna be the one who screws up when the first shank tries to jump into it.”
Minho’s pragmatic concern highlights both the danger of their discovery and the responsibility they feel toward other Gladers. This represents the chapter’s tension between excitement and caution about potential escape routes.
3. “It was the strangest, most hard-to-believe thing Thomas had ever seen.”
This simple yet powerful statement describes the moment when a thrown rock disappears, confirming their theory about a hidden Griever exit. It marks the story’s turning point where the impossible becomes real.
4. “This place is all jacked up. And, Thomas admitted to himself, kind of cool.”
This dual perspective perfectly captures Thomas’s character - acknowledging the danger while still being fascinated by the Maze’s mysteries. It shows his scientific curiosity amidst the horror.
5. “The Griever Hole.”
This terse naming by Thomas serves as both a practical label and a conceptual milestone - giving identity to their discovery while making the threat more concrete. The capitalization suggests this will become an important story element.