The Maze Runner
Chapter 45
by Dashner, JamesThomas and Minho return to the Glade after a grueling 24-hour expedition in the Maze, exhausted and disheartened by their failure to find any new clues or exits. Despite the Glade’s seemingly normal operations, the boys’ despair is palpable, especially when Newt greets them with hopeful anticipation, only to be met with Minho’s outburst of frustration. The revelation that the Grievers took another boy, Adam, deepens the sense of hopelessness. Minho’s emotional breakdown, declaring the Maze a futile endeavor, leaves Thomas worried about the group’s morale and survival prospects.
The Glade’s atmosphere grows increasingly grim as the other Runners return empty-handed, abandoning their daily tasks. Thomas, however, clings to the belief that the Maze’s code holds the key to their escape. Reaching out telepathically to Teresa, he learns she and others have deciphered the code: six ominous words—*Float, Catch, Bleed, Death, Stiff, Push*—repeated in a cycle. Despite the breakthrough, the meaning remains elusive, leaving Thomas frustrated and desperate for more clues. The group’s exhaustion and confusion are evident as they grapple with the cryptic message.
Thomas joins Teresa and Newt in the basement, where the Maps and code have been meticulously analyzed. The chaotic scene reflects their tireless efforts, but the six words offer no immediate solution. Newt’s sarcastic remark about the code’s cheerfulness underscores their collective dread. Thomas suggests involving Minho, hoping his experience might yield insights, but a sudden, jarring idea strikes him—one so terrible he keeps it to himself. His physical reaction alarms Newt and Teresa, though he dismisses it as fatigue, masking his true thoughts.
As Thomas leaves to rest, he resolves to pursue his plan: intentionally getting stung by a Griever to undergo the Changing and recover lost memories. Despite the immense risk, he believes this drastic measure is their only hope for uncovering the code’s meaning. The chapter ends with Thomas steeling himself for the ordeal, highlighting his determination to save the group even at great personal cost.
FAQs
1. How does Minho’s reaction upon returning from the Maze reflect the growing despair among the Gladers?
Answer:
Minho’s outburst—throwing his backpack, declaring “It’s all over,” and storming off—demonstrates the crushing hopelessness spreading through the Gladers. His breakdown is particularly significant because, as the Keeper of the Runners, his leadership typically bolsters morale. The chapter notes that other Runners also returned empty-handed, causing work in the Glade to halt. Thomas’s observation that “if Minho gave up, they were all in big trouble” underscores how his despair symbolizes a broader collapse of resolve, mirroring the Gladers’ collective loss of purpose as their efforts to solve the Maze repeatedly fail.2. What is the significance of the six-word code (FLOAT, CATCH, BLEED, DEATH, STIFF, PUSH), and why does it disappoint Thomas?
Answer:
The code represents a repeating pattern in the Maze’s movements, painstakingly decoded by Teresa and the Gladers. However, its ominous words (e.g., “DEATH,” “BLEED”) lack immediate explanatory power, frustrating Thomas, who expected clarity. The chapter emphasizes his letdown: “Disappointment washed over Thomas—he’d been sure the purpose of the code would be obvious.” The words’ vague, violent connotations deepen the Gladers’ anxiety rather than providing actionable clues, highlighting the cruel nature of their trial—answers exist but remain indecipherable without further context.3. Analyze Thomas’s internal conflict about his “terrible idea” to get stung by a Griever. What does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Thomas’s plan to intentionally undergo the Changing by Griever sting reveals his desperation and self-sacrificial leadership. The chapter describes it as “the worst idea in the history of horrible, terrible, awful ideas,” yet his instinct insists it’s necessary. This dichotomy shows his pragmatism—he recognizes the risk but prioritizes gaining memories to decode the Maze over personal safety. His decision to hide the plan from Newt and Teresa also reflects strategic thinking, avoiding dissent that might delay action. Ultimately, it underscores his transformation from a confused newcomer to a proactive problem-solver willing to endure pain for the group’s survival.4. How does the telepathic communication between Thomas and Teresa function in this chapter, and what role does it play in their dynamic?
Answer:
Their telepathy operates as a private channel amid chaos, blending practicality and emotional connection. Thomas initiates contact mentally (“Teresa? Where are you?”), and Teresa responds both telepathically and aloud, masking their ability. This duality—seen when she smirks after Thomas warns, “Don’t talk in my head while Newt’s around”—creates intimacy, as they share secrets and collaborate seamlessly. The chapter also notes Thomas’s fleeting disappointment when Teresa prioritizes work over greeting him, revealing his growing emotional reliance on her. Their bond, strengthened by this unique communication, becomes a tactical and psychological lifeline in the Glade’s unraveling order.5. Contrast Newt’s and Minho’s responses to failure in this chapter. What do their differing reactions suggest about their leadership styles?
Answer:
Newt maintains stoic pragmatism, quietly organizing efforts (“Newt had three or four Gladers help us trace the Maps”) despite his visible despair (“darkness passed over his face”). In contrast, Minho’s explosive anger (“I’m sick of this!”) reflects his emotionally charged, action-oriented leadership. Newt’s resilience—offering Thomas practical advice (“go take a nap”)—highlights his role as a stabilizer, while Minho’s lapse into defeatism (“We’re all shucked”) shows his reliance on tangible progress. Their differences illustrate complementary leadership archetypes: Newt as the steady caretaker and Minho as the driven but volatile strategist, both strained by the Maze’s psychological toll.
Quotes
1. “The Maze is a big freaking joke.”
This quote from Minho captures the crushing despair and frustration felt by the Gladers after their exhaustive search of the Maze yields no answers. It represents a key turning point where hope begins to fade among the group.
2. “Despair hung in the air like the smoke from the Map Room, thick and acrid.”
This vivid simile describes the emotional atmosphere in the Glade after the failed Maze exploration. It powerfully conveys how hopelessness has become palpable among the boys, marking a low point in the chapter.
3. “Float. Catch. Bleed. Death. Stiff. Push. That didn’t sound good.”
This quote reveals the ominous code words deciphered from the Maze patterns. These words represent both a potential breakthrough and a source of new dread, serving as the chapter’s central mystery that drives Thomas toward his drastic decision.
4. “They needed more clues about the code. They needed memories. So he was going to get stung by a Griever. Go through the Changing. On purpose.”
This concluding revelation shows Thomas’s radical plan to gain answers, representing both his bravery and the desperate measures the situation demands. It sets up a major turning point for the story’s climax.