The Scorch Trials
Chapter 26
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with Thomas and the Gladers encountering Jorge, a self-proclaimed Crank who drops unexpectedly into their midst. His bizarre behavior—joking about eating eyeballs—immediately unsettles the group. Despite his seemingly playful tone, Jorge’s underlying menace becomes apparent as he warns them about the dangers of the Flare and the harsh realities of their world. The Gladers, particularly Minho, react with defiance, but Jorge’s unsettling confidence hints at a deeper threat lurking in the ruined city.
Tensions escalate as Jorge demands answers from the Gladers, asserting his dominance by threatening violence. Minho’s sarcastic retort provokes Jorge, who begins a countdown to force an apology. Thomas, sensing the danger, urges Minho to comply, but Jorge kicks Minho’s burns, escalating the confrontation. Minho eventually apologizes half-heartedly, only to retaliate by attacking Jorge, sparking a physical altercation. Thomas intervenes, fearing the consequences, but the damage is done—Jorge’s rage is palpable, and the situation spirals toward violence.
The conflict reaches a critical point as more Cranks descend from above, armed with crude but deadly weapons. Thomas realizes the Gladers are outnumbered and outmatched, pleading for restraint to avoid a massacre. Jorge, now bleeding and furious, signals his followers, who brandish an array of brutal implements. The chapter underscores the Gladers’ vulnerability in this lawless environment, where survival hinges on navigating the unpredictable brutality of the Cranks.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Thomas desperately trying to de-escalate the situation as the armed Cranks close in. The encounter highlights the pervasive threat of the Flare and the moral decay it has wrought, leaving the Gladers at the mercy of a group teetering between madness and survival. The tension underscores the broader themes of power, control, and the fragility of order in a collapsing world.
FAQs
1. How does Jorge’s introduction establish the threat level of the Cranks in this chapter?
Answer:
Jorge’s introduction immediately establishes the Cranks as unpredictable and dangerous through his unsettling behavior and violent rhetoric. His casual discussion of eating eyeballs (“Mmm, tasty… Tastes like undercooked eggs”) and veiled threats (“I might help you get [dead] if I needed to”) create psychological tension. The chapter emphasizes his menace through physical actions—kicking Minho’s burns and demanding humiliating apologies—while revealing his strategic control over hidden allies. His ability to summon armed Cranks (wielding makeshift weapons like machetes and glass shards) confirms the very real physical threat, showing they operate with organized brutality despite their apparent madness.2. Analyze Minho’s confrontation with Jorge. What does this reveal about Minho’s character and the group’s vulnerability?
Answer:
Minho’s defiance (“eleven of us and one of you”) highlights his leadership traits—boldness and protectiveness—but also his impulsiveness, which nearly escalates the situation lethally. His smirk and delayed apology show pride, while his counterattack (slamming Jorge’s shin) reveals a refusal to submit to intimidation. However, Thomas’s intervention (“They’ll kill all of us!”) underscores the group’s vulnerability: they’re injured, outnumbered, and unprepared for the Cranks’ numbers and savagery. The scene contrasts Minho’s combativeness with Thomas’s tactical awareness, emphasizing how recklessness endangers everyone in this hostile environment.3. How does the chapter portray the psychological impact of the Flare virus on both the Cranks and the Gladers?
Answer:
The chapter depicts the Flare’s psychological toll through Jorge’s erratic behavior—switching between mockery (“love a good eyeball”) and violent demands—which exemplifies the virus’s erosion of sanity. His speech about “different levels of the Flare” and inevitable infection (“the ill is gonna catch ya”) intensifies the Gladers’ fear, particularly Thomas’s visceral reaction (“more scared than ever”). The Cranks’ weaponry (e.g., bloodied glass shards) symbolizes their descent into barbarity, while the Gladers’ helplessness (Thomas’s “absolute certainty” they’d lose a fight) underscores the psychological warfare of facing an enemy that blends madness with strategy.4. What thematic role does power dynamics play in this chapter, particularly in dialogue?
Answer:
Power shifts constantly through dialogue. Jorge dominates verbally, using threats and grotesque humor to unsettle the Gladers (“Comprende?”), while Minho’s challenge attempts to reclaim agency. However, Jorge’s counting (“One… Two…”) and physical retaliation enforce submission, revealing power as performative—his authority relies on an audience (hidden Cranks). Thomas’s plea (“Won’t do you any good to hurt us”) reframes the dynamic as survival negotiation, but the armed Cranks’ arrival restores Jorge’s control. The chapter critiques power as a blend of brutality, numbers, and psychological manipulation in this collapsed society.5. Evaluate Thomas’s role as a mediator in this conflict. How effective is his approach?
Answer:
Thomas acts as a pragmatic mediator, balancing Minho’s aggression with diplomacy. His warnings to Minho (“Do it”) and physical restraint prevent immediate bloodshed, while his conciliatory gestures (raised hand, calm tone) aim to de-escalate. However, his effectiveness is limited by Jorge’s unpredictability and the Cranks’ collective threat. His plea (“give me a minute”) briefly pauses violence, but the Cranks’ weapon display proves persuasion alone can’t neutralize their hostility. Thomas’s mediation highlights the near-impossibility of reason in this world, where survival hinges on recognizing when to fight or submit.
Quotes
1. “Lot of things you people need to understand about how things work in this city. About the Cranks and WICKED, about the government, about why they left us here to rot in our disease, kill each other, go completely and utterly insane.”
This quote from Jorge introduces the harsh reality of the world outside the Maze, revealing the systemic abandonment and societal collapse caused by the Flare. It sets up the chapter’s central conflict and establishes the Cranks’ perspective.
2. “About how there’s different levels of the Flare. About how it’s too late for you—the ill is gonna catch ya if you don’t already have it.”
Jorge’s chilling warning about the Flare’s progression highlights the inescapable nature of the disease and creates palpable tension. This represents a key turning point where the Gladers confront their potential fate.
3. “Those who are at a disadvantage are those who speak first. I want to know everything about you. Where you came from, why you’re here, what in God’s name your purpose could be. Now.”
This demand illustrates the power dynamic shift between Jorge and the Gladers, showcasing his control over the situation. The quote captures the interrogation-like tension that drives the chapter’s conflict.
4. “Thomas had the sudden and absolute certainty that he was now pleading for their lives. The Gladers couldn’t win in a fight against these people. No…”
This internal realization marks the chapter’s climax, showing Thomas’s awareness of their vulnerability against the armed Cranks. The truncated final word “No…” powerfully conveys the hopelessness of their situation.