The Scorch Trials
Chapter 22
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with the Gladers waking after a brief rest, enduring the scorching heat that makes their journey unbearable. Thomas notices the oppressive body odor and the stark contrast to their previous comforts, like showers in the dorm. Despite the grim conditions, he clings to two hopes: discovering what lies in the approaching city and finding Teresa alive, possibly ahead of them. Minho rallies the group to continue their trek, but the relentless sun and dwindling supplies force them to walk rather than run, conserving energy and water.
As they march across the arid landscape, the Gladers use sheets for shade, though the wind makes it difficult to keep them in place. Thomas, isolated due to the others’ discomfort around him after Teresa’s story, finds solace in solitude. The group’s morale is low, with minimal conversation as they focus on surviving the heat and dust. Thomas obsesses over the city’s proximity, noting its seemingly abandoned streets and lack of vegetation, questioning how anyone could live there. The urgency to replenish their supplies drives them forward, even as exhaustion sets in.
The journey becomes a monotonous cycle of walking, brief breaks, and enduring the relentless heat. The wind offers little relief, instead blowing dust and grit into their faces. Thomas struggles with dehydration, acutely aware of their dwindling water supply. The city grows closer, its details becoming clearer—stone buildings, broken windows, and empty streets. Despite the uncertainty of what awaits them, Thomas is confident they’ll reach their destination the next day, though he doubts the wisdom of entering. The group presses on, driven by necessity rather than choice.
As night falls, the wind intensifies, bringing a slight chill that Thomas welcomes. By midnight, the city’s fires are visible, but the wind grows stronger, whipping around them. Exhausted, Thomas settles down to sleep, and the chapter transitions into a dream. He sees a younger Teresa, who chastises him for failing to communicate telepathically. Their playful yet tense exchange reveals their deep connection, even as Teresa threatens to cut off communication. The dream ends with Thomas successfully sending a teasing message, highlighting their bond and shared history, leaving readers curious about their past and future interactions.
FAQs
1. What are the two main sources of motivation that keep Thomas going despite the harsh conditions of the Scorch?
Answer:
Thomas is primarily driven by two factors: his overwhelming curiosity about the mysterious city they are approaching, which appears more urban and complex as they get closer, and his hope that Teresa is alive and well. He speculates that she might have used a Flat Trans device to get ahead of them, possibly even reaching the city already. These thoughts give him a sense of encouragement and purpose amid the grueling journey (Chapter 22).2. How does the physical environment of the Scorch affect the Gladers’ journey in this chapter?
Answer:
The Scorch’s extreme heat, relentless sun, and strong, dust-laden winds make the journey agonizing for the Gladers. They can no longer run due to exhaustion and limited water supplies, forcing them to walk while using sheets for shade. The wind worsens their discomfort by blowing grit into their eyes and making it harder to hold the sheets in place. The harsh conditions drain their energy, reduce conversation, and heighten their desperation to reach the city for supplies (Chapter 22).3. Analyze the significance of Thomas’s dream about Teresa. What does it reveal about their past relationship?
Answer:
The dream reveals that Thomas and Teresa shared a deep, long-standing connection even before the events of the Maze. As children, they were involved in some form of training, possibly related to their telepathic abilities. Teresa’s frustration with Thomas’s inability to communicate mentally and her ultimatum (“I’m not speaking out loud to you anymore”) suggest they were under pressure to develop these skills, possibly under threat (“They’ll probably kill us if we can’t do this”). The playful banter at the end (“You smell like a bag of crap”) hints at their close, familiar bond (Chapter 22).4. Why does Thomas believe the Gladers have no choice but to enter the city, despite potential dangers?
Answer:
Thomas acknowledges that bypassing the city might be safer, but their dwindling supplies—especially water—leave them no alternative. Without replenishing resources, survival in the Scorch is impossible. The city represents their only hope for sustenance, even though its abandoned appearance and lack of vegetation raise questions about its habitability. Thomas’s pragmatic assessment underscores the Gladers’ desperation: they must risk the unknown to secure their immediate survival (Chapter 22).5. How does the author use sensory details to convey the Gladers’ suffering in this chapter?
Answer:
Dashner employs vivid sensory descriptions to immerse readers in the Gladers’ ordeal. The “stinky mist” of body odor, the “dry ocean” of heat, and the grit accumulating in Thomas’s eyes emphasize physical discomfort. Auditory details like the howling wind and the absence of dialogue highlight their exhaustion. Visual contrasts—such as the glimmering windows of the city versus the barren landscape—reinforce their isolation and hope. These details collectively create a palpable sense of struggle and resilience (Chapter 22).
Quotes
1. “The more Thomas thought about it, the more he realized that there wasn’t much to be happy about. Still, two things kept him going, and he hoped they did the same for the others. First, an overwhelming curiosity to find out what was in that stupid town—it looked more and more like a city as they got closer. And second, the hope that Teresa was alive and well.”
This quote captures Thomas’s internal struggle and motivation amidst the harsh conditions. It highlights the dual driving forces of curiosity and hope that propel the Gladers forward, representing a key emotional turning point in the chapter.
2. “Heat, like a dry ocean through which they had to swim. That wind, blowing stronger now, bringing more dust and grit than relief from the heat.”
This vivid description exemplifies the brutal environmental conditions the characters endure. The poetic comparison to a “dry ocean” powerfully conveys the relentless, suffocating nature of their journey, making it one of the chapter’s most memorable passages.
3. “It was as if the buildings were alive, growing right before their eyes as they got closer. Soon Thomas could see what had to be stone, windows glimmering in the sunlight.”
This quote marks a significant moment as the Gladers finally approach their destination. The personification of the city creates a sense of foreboding and mystery, foreshadowing the revelations to come while capturing Thomas’s awe and apprehension.
4. “‘Tom, you need to try harder,’ she says. Her arms are folded, and even at this younger age, it’s a look he doesn’t find surprising. It’s very familiar. As if he has already known her a long time.”
This dialogue from Thomas’s dream reveals crucial backstory about his connection with Teresa. The exchange hints at their shared history and the high-stakes nature of their relationship, while showing Teresa’s demanding nature even in childhood.
5. “You smell like a bag of crap. […] So do you.”
This humorous telepathic exchange provides much-needed levity while demonstrating the depth of Thomas and Teresa’s bond. The playful insult and response reveal their comfort with each other and the developing nature of their psychic connection.