The Maze Runner
Chapter 55
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 55 of *The Maze Runner*, Thomas and the Gladers sprint through the Maze toward the Cliff, their urgency underscored by the eerie presence of beetle blades and the looming threat of the Creators. Despite his fear, Thomas maintains a steady pace, exchanging tense banter with Teresa, who proves her resilience. The group, including non-Runners like Newt, struggles to keep up, but no one gives up. As they navigate the Maze’s turns, Thomas grapples with dread, wondering when the Grievers will attack, yet a sliver of hope emerges that they might reach safety unscathed.
The tension peaks as the Gladers arrive at the final corridor leading to the Cliff. Minho, leading the group, halts abruptly upon hearing Griever sounds and discovers a dozen or more of the creatures lying in wait. The Gladers are surrounded, their path blocked on all sides by the monstrous machines. Thomas’s fear intensifies as he observes Teresa’s terror and the group’s panic. Despite Newt’s attempt to rally them with brave words, the reality of their dire situation sinks in—they are trapped with no clear escape, and the Grievers seem to be toying with them.
In a desperate moment, Alby, seemingly overcome by fear or resignation, breaks from the group and charges toward the Grievers. Newt tries to stop him, but Thomas holds him back as Alby is swiftly overwhelmed and attacked by the creatures. The brutal scene leaves the Gladers in shock, with Newt collapsing in grief. Thomas reflects on Alby’s sacrifice, realizing their leader chose death over returning to the horrors he’d experienced. The chapter underscores the Gladers’ helplessness and the grim reality of their predicament.
The chapter ends with the Gladers huddled together, surrounded by Grievers, their morale shattered by Alby’s death. Thomas, though shaken, remains determined, grappling with the weight of leadership and the need to act. The eerie silence of the Grievers, who seem to relish the Gladers’ fear, adds to the tension. The stage is set for a brutal confrontation, leaving Thomas and the others with no choice but to fight or face annihilation. The chapter masterfully builds suspense, highlighting the characters’ fear, courage, and the harsh stakes of their survival.
FAQs
1. How does the atmosphere of the Maze change as the Gladers approach the Cliff, and what does this reveal about the Creators’ involvement?
Answer:
The atmosphere grows increasingly tense and menacing as the Gladers run toward the Cliff. The shuffling feet echo loudly, and the red lights of the beetle blades flash more ominously in the ivy, signaling that the Creators are actively watching and listening. This shift highlights the Creators’ control over the environment and their manipulative nature—they are not just observers but participants who heighten the Gladers’ fear and anticipation of confrontation. The chapter suggests the Creators derive satisfaction from the psychological torment, as seen when Thomas wonders if they are “enjoying this” while the Grievers lie in wait.2. Analyze Thomas’s internal conflict during the run to the Cliff. How does his mindset evolve from courage to dread, and what triggers this shift?
Answer:
Thomas begins the chapter with a facade of courage, masking his fear with sarcasm when Teresa asks if he’s scared. However, as the group progresses, his initial resolve deteriorates into dread. This shift is triggered by the physical exhaustion of the non-Runners, Minho’s horrified reaction upon spotting the Grievers, and the realization that they are surrounded with no escape. The chapter emphasizes his psychological struggle—his hope for a clean escape is crushed, and he grapples with doubt about their survival. His internal monologue (“Doubts seeped into his mind and heart”) underscores the weight of leadership and the inevitability of violence.3. What does Alby’s sacrifice reveal about the psychological toll of the Glade and the Maze on its inhabitants?
Answer:
Alby’s sudden decision to charge at the Grievers demonstrates the extreme psychological breaking point caused by the Glade’s horrors. His silent, trance-like actions suggest he’d rather die than face the trauma of his memories (“whatever he’d seen”). This act highlights the despair and hopelessness pervasive among the Gladers, as even their leader chooses self-destruction over continued suffering. Thomas’s observation that Alby “flipped once and for all” underscores the irreversible mental damage inflicted by the Creators’ experiments, where survival instincts are overridden by sheer terror.4. How does the chapter use the Grievers’ behavior to build suspense and reinforce the theme of manipulation?
Answer:
The Grievers’ deliberate inaction—waiting in ambush instead of attacking immediately—creates unbearable suspense and reinforces the Creators’ manipulation. Their coordinated trap (blocking all escape routes) and eerie stillness (“watching, waiting”) heighten the Gladers’ helplessness. The mechanical wheezes and pulsing bodies add a grotesque, inhuman quality, making their eventual attack inevitable yet unpredictable. This tactic mirrors the Creators’ broader strategy: to control through fear and uncertainty, forcing the Gladers to confront their own mortality before the physical battle even begins.5. Evaluate Teresa’s role in this chapter. How does her dynamic with Thomas contrast with the group’s collective panic?
Answer:
Teresa serves as both a foil and a mirror to Thomas. Their telepathic banter early in the chapter reveals mutual reliance and dark humor, but her palpable terror later (“terror present itself so starkly”) mirrors his internal collapse. Unlike the group’s vocal panic (e.g., Newt’s trembling, Alby’s despair), Teresa’s silence speaks volumes. Her uncharacteristic fear underscores the gravity of the situation, while her physical proximity to Thomas (“hand squeezed”) hints at their bond as anchors amid chaos. The chapter subtly positions her as his emotional equal, both vulnerable yet pivotal to the group’s morale.
Quotes
1. “No, I love things made out of blubber and steel. Can’t wait to see them. He felt no mirth or humor and wondered if there’d ever be a time again when he would.”
This sarcastic remark by Thomas highlights the grim reality of their situation and his fading hope. It underscores the psychological toll of facing the Grievers and the Creators’ cruel experiment.
2. “Minho slowed at the corner, then stopped, holding up a hand to tell Thomas and the others to do the same. Then he turned, a look of horror on his face. ‘Do you hear that?’ he whispered.”
This moment marks a critical turning point as the Gladers realize the Grievers are lying in wait. Minho’s horror signals the impending confrontation and the hopelessness of their trapped position.
3. “Thomas slowly turned in a circle, fought the fear as he took it all in. They were surrounded. They had no choice now—there was nowhere to go.”
This quote captures the climax of the chapter, emphasizing the Gladers’ desperation and the inevitability of their fight. The imagery of being encircled heightens the tension and stakes.
4. “Alby’d flipped once and for all, Thomas thought, fighting the urge to rid his stomach of its contents. Their leader had been so scared to go back to whatever he’d seen, he’d chosen to sacrifice himself instead.”
Alby’s tragic decision reveals the extreme psychological breaking point the Gladers face. His sacrifice underscores the horror of their existence and the lengths they’ll go to escape it.
5. “Thomas helped steady Newt on his feet; the …”
This truncated line hints at the emotional aftermath of Alby’s death and the solidarity among the remaining Gladers. It foreshadows the resilience and unity they’ll need to survive what comes next.