The Maze Runner
Chapter 9
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with a surreal silence in the Glade after Newt reads aloud a mysterious message about the unconscious girl, who is now confirmed to be alive. The Gladers, including Thomas, are stunned into silence, expecting chaos but finding only tense stillness. Newt’s reaction—crushing the note in frustration—deepens Thomas’s unease. The arrival of the Med-jacks, Clint and Jeff, shifts the focus to the girl’s condition, as they examine her and prepare to move her to the Homestead, sparking a mix of concern and morbid curiosity among the onlookers.
Alby’s stern warning against harming the girl underscores the gravity of the situation, earning Thomas’s respect for the first time. The Med-jacks determine the girl is in a coma and carry her away, while Thomas grapples with a growing sense of connection to her, though he can’t pinpoint why. Newt’s remark about her being “special” heightens the mystery, leaving Thomas anxious and confused. The chapter highlights the Gladers’ divided reactions, from crude jokes to serious speculation, reflecting the tension between fear and fascination.
Thomas’s internal turmoil intensifies as Alby and Newt interrogate him about his possible ties to the girl, further isolating him. The announcement of a Gathering—a meeting of the Keepers—signals escalating unrest. Chuck’s explanation of the Gathering’s purpose adds to the sense of impending crisis. Thomas’s hunger momentarily distracts him, leading him and Chuck to the kitchen, where the mundane act of eating contrasts sharply with the day’s bizarre events. The kitchen’s familiarity triggers fleeting, frustrating memories for Thomas, emphasizing his disorientation.
The chapter closes with Thomas resolving to adapt to his circumstances, despite the overwhelming unknowns. His brief moment of calm after eating symbolizes a fragile acceptance, though questions about the Glade’s electricity and the girl’s identity linger. Chuck’s indifference to these mysteries mirrors the Gladers’ coping mechanism: avoidance. Thomas’s determination to “quit whining” marks a turning point, setting the stage for his proactive role in the unfolding drama. The chapter masterfully blends suspense, character development, and world-building, leaving readers eager for answers.
FAQs
1. How do the Gladers initially react to the girl’s arrival and the message she brought, and what does this reveal about their society?
Answer:
The Gladers respond with stunned silence rather than the expected chaos or questions, indicating their disciplined but fearful approach to unexpected events. Newt reads the message aloud, but the group’s collective dumbfounded reaction suggests they are accustomed to following leadership and processing shocks internally before reacting. This moment reveals a society that operates under strict norms and hierarchy, where outbursts are suppressed in favor of order. The lack of immediate panic also hints at their desensitization to strange occurrences in the Glade, though the gravity of this event is clear from their frozen response.2. Analyze Thomas’s conflicting emotions toward the girl and how they contribute to the chapter’s tension.
Answer:
Thomas experiences a mix of protectiveness, unease, and familiarity toward the comatose girl. He feels sickened when others joke about her condition, showing his empathy, yet he also doubts his own claim that she seems familiar. This internal conflict—between instinctive connection and rational uncertainty—heightens the chapter’s tension. His nervousness about others potentially sharing his suspicions (“as if someone might’ve heard his thoughts”) adds paranoia. The unresolved question of their connection creates suspense, especially when Alby and Newt grill him, implying the Gladers also sense something unusual about Thomas’s relationship to the girl.3. What role do the Med-jacks play in the Glade, and how does their portrayal reflect the community’s resourcefulness?
Answer:
The Med-jacks (Clint and Jeff) serve as makeshift doctors, demonstrating the Gladers’ adaptation to their isolated environment. With limited resources, they rely on basic medical assessments (checking pulse, breathing) and improvisation, like planning to feed the girl “soupy stuff” if she remains comatose. Their pragmatic approach—lifting her awkwardly but efficiently—highlights their focus on function over formality. The term “Med-jacks” itself, likely a slang blend of “medical” and “jacks” (helpers), reflects the community’s linguistic creativity. Their presence underscores the Glade’s self-sufficiency, though their rudimentary methods also emphasize the setting’s harsh constraints.4. How does Alby’s threat about banishing anyone who harms the girl illustrate the power dynamics in the Glade?
Answer:
Alby’s warning (“you’re gonna spend the night sleepin’ with the Grievers in the Maze”) reinforces his authoritarian leadership. By invoking the Grievers—the Glade’s ultimate threat—he asserts control through fear, showing that defiance carries severe consequences. His slow, deliberate delivery (“turning in a circle”) ensures everyone witnesses his authority. This moment also reveals the hierarchy’s fragility; Alby must publicly reinforce rules to prevent chaos. Thomas’s approval of the threat (“the first time he’d actually liked something from Alby”) subtly hints at shifting alliances, as Thomas values the girl’s protection over blind obedience to the Glade’s norms.5. Why is the Gathering significant, and what might it foreshadow for Thomas’s role in future events?
Answer:
The Gathering, called only for “something weird or terrible,” signals a turning point where the Keepers will formally address the girl’s arrival and Thomas’s possible connection to her. Its rarity (per Chuck’s explanation) underscores the gravity of the situation. For Thomas, it foreshadows scrutiny and potential conflict, as Alby’s suspicion (“Something’s whacked”) suggests he may be scapegoated. The secrecy of Alby’s whisper (“quietly enough that Thomas didn’t think anyone else heard”) implies backroom decision-making, putting Thomas at a disadvantage. This sets up future tension between collective governance and Thomas’s unexplained ties to the girl and the Maze.
Quotes
1. “An odd moment of complete silence hung over the Glade. It was as if a supernatural wind had swept through the place and sucked out all sound.”
This opening line captures the eerie atmosphere following the girl’s arrival, emphasizing the profound impact of her presence on the Gladers. The supernatural imagery underscores the unnatural nature of their circumstances.
2. “If anybody touches this girl, you’re gonna spend the night sleepin’ with the Grievers in the Maze. Banished, no questions.”
Alby’s harsh warning reveals both the Glade’s brutal justice system and the girl’s perceived importance. This moment establishes her as a pivotal figure while showcasing Alby’s authority and the ever-present threat of the Maze.
3. “Thomas’s gut clenched. He knew that he and the girl were connected somehow.”
This internal reflection marks a key turning point where Thomas acknowledges his mysterious bond with the girl. The quote encapsulates the chapter’s central mystery and foreshadows future revelations about their relationship.
4. “Something’s whacked. Call a Gathering.”
Alby’s quiet command signals a major shift in the Glade’s operations, indicating the situation has escalated beyond normal parameters. This brief exchange introduces the concept of a Gathering while maintaining tension about what the leaders might discuss.
5. “Thomas decided that from then on he’d quit whining and deal with things.”
This concluding thought shows Thomas’s character development as he resolves to face their strange reality head-on. It represents a maturation point that will likely influence his future actions in the Glade.