The Scorch Trials
Chapter 12
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 12 of *The Scorch Trials*, Thomas seeks solitude in a bathroom to process the chaos surrounding him. The Gladers are overwhelmed by recent events: bodies mysteriously appearing and disappearing, a stranger with an impossible shield, and the realization that their rescue from the Maze was a setup by WICKED. Thomas grapples with the uncertainty of their situation, questioning whether they can trust anything they see or remember. The chapter highlights his internal turmoil as he reflects on Teresa’s absence, the loss of Chuck, and the ominous Phase Two they must face the next day.
Thomas’s grief and frustration are palpable as he recalls Chuck’s death and contemplates whether death might be preferable to the horrors ahead. His thoughts are interrupted by Minho, who lightens the mood with sarcastic banter, though the underlying tension remains. The two discuss the mysterious “Flat Trans,” a potential doorway to their next challenge, while Newt joins them, shifting the conversation to leadership and organization. The group’s dynamic reveals their shared fear and determination, even as they struggle to make sense of their dire circumstances.
Newt emphasizes the need for structure and leadership as they prepare for Phase Two, arguing that the group must unite under a clear leader. Minho dismisses the importance of their tattoos, which designate roles, but Newt insists they hold significance. The tension escalates as Newt reveals Minho’s tattoo branding him as the Leader, forcing Thomas to confront his own ominous marking: a tattoo declaring he is to be killed. This revelation adds another layer of dread to their already precarious situation.
The chapter underscores the Gladers’ psychological and emotional strain as they face an uncertain future. Thomas’s internal conflict, the group’s fractured morale, and the looming threat of Phase Two create a sense of impending doom. The tattoos symbolize WICKED’s manipulation, leaving the characters—and readers—questioning their fate. The chapter ends on a foreboding note, setting the stage for the trials to come and the sacrifices they may entail.
FAQs
1. What are the key events and revelations in this chapter that contribute to Thomas’s emotional turmoil?
Answer:
Thomas grapples with multiple distressing revelations and events in this chapter. The disappearance of the hanging bodies, the appearance and vanishing of the stranger with the shielded desk, and the realization that their “rescue” from the Maze was a sham all deepen his distrust and confusion. Additionally, the news about the Gladers having the Flare disease and the impending Phase Two trials weigh heavily on him. The memory of Chuck’s death resurfaces, making Thomas question whether death might be preferable to their grim future. These cumulative stressors leave him emotionally drained and uncertain about trusting anything he sees or hears.2. How does the interaction between Thomas, Minho, and Newt reveal their differing approaches to leadership and coping with their situation?
Answer:
The conversation highlights their distinct personalities and leadership styles. Thomas is introspective and overwhelmed, seeking solitude to process events. Minho uses humor and sarcasm to deflect stress, as seen when he teases Thomas about “whining.” Newt, however, adopts a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the need for structure and clear leadership, especially given the impending Phase Two. He insists on reaffirming Minho’s role as the designated leader (per his tattoo), while Minho dismisses the tattoos as psychological manipulation. This exchange underscores the tension between accepting imposed roles and asserting autonomy in their dire circumstances.3. What is the significance of the “Flat Trans,” and how does it reflect the Gladers’ evolving understanding of WICKED’s technology?
Answer:
The “Flat Trans” is a mysterious portal-like device described as a flat surface that transports people, akin to the Cliff in the Maze. Thomas and Minho deduce its function based on its name and their past experiences, showing their growing ability to interpret WICKED’s cryptic technology. This moment highlights their adaptability but also underscores the pervasive uncertainty—they can only speculate about its purpose and destination. The Flat Trans symbolizes the next phase of WICKED’s manipulation, reinforcing the theme of the Gladers being thrust into unfamiliar, controlled environments without consent or explanation.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of trust, particularly in relation to WICKED and the Gladers’ perceptions of reality?
Answer:
Trust is a central theme, as Rat Man’s warning—”not to trust their eyes or their minds”—echoes throughout the chapter. Thomas questions whether the people who “rescued” them were complicit or deceived, and whether their deaths were real. The vanishing bodies and the stranger’s appearance further destabilize their sense of reality. Even memories regained through the Changing are unreliable, as Thomas admits they’ve faded or become unclear. This erosion of trust extends to their future: the Flare’s supposed cure hinges on surviving trials they can’t verify. The chapter paints a world where deception is the norm, leaving the Gladers in perpetual doubt.5. Why does Newt insist on reaffirming leadership roles before Phase Two begins, and how does this conflict with Minho’s perspective?
Answer:
Newt believes that clear leadership is critical for survival, especially as they face the unknown challenges of Phase Two. He invokes the tattoos as evidence of WICKED’s designations, arguing that structure (like they had in the Glade) is necessary to prevent chaos. Minho, however, rejects the tattoos’ significance, viewing them as another mind game. His resistance reflects skepticism of WICKED’s authority and a preference for organic, situational leadership. This conflict reveals a deeper tension between order and autonomy—Newt seeks stability through hierarchy, while Minho prioritizes adaptability and rejects imposed roles. Their debate mirrors the group’s broader struggle to navigate WICKED’s manipulations while retaining agency.
Quotes
1. “It was clear now that the rescue from the Maze had been a sham. But who were the pawns WICKED had used to pull the Gladers from the Creators’ chamber, put them on that bus and bring them here?”
This quote captures Thomas’s realization that their supposed escape was another layer of manipulation by WICKED, highlighting the theme of deception and the moral ambiguity of the organization’s methods.
2. “Rat Man had said not to trust their eyes or their minds. How could they believe anything ever again?”
This reflects the psychological torment the Gladers endure, emphasizing the erosion of trust and reality—a central conflict in their struggle against WICKED’s experiments.
3. “All those crazy people out there—the Cranks. How would they deal with them?”
Thomas’s dread about the Cranks introduces the looming threat of the Flare virus and the harsh world beyond the Maze, foreshadowing the challenges of Phase Two.
4. “‘You’re a shuck genius.’ / ‘Flat Trans.’ / ‘That’s what I’m thinking. Something like the Cliff. It’s flat, and it transports you somewhere. Flat Trans.’”
This exchange between Thomas and Minho showcases their resourcefulness and dark humor amid chaos, while also hinting at the mysterious technology WICKED employs.
5. “‘Bein’ hungry make you forget the bloody tattoos? You think they’re just decorations?’ / ‘Oh, come on,’ Minho retorted. ‘You really think it means anything? They’re just playin’ with our heads!’”
This debate about the tattoos (and leadership roles they imply) underscores the tension between fate and agency, as well as WICKED’s psychological manipulation of the Gladers.