The Scorch Trials
Chapter 27
by Dashner, JamesThomas and Jorge enter a dark, damp hallway leading to a sparse room with only two chairs and a table. Jorge, a Crank infected with the Flare, maintains a threatening demeanor, warning Thomas against any defiance. Despite his fear, Thomas tries to assert his dignity, refusing to be intimidated. The tension between them is palpable as they sit down to talk, with Jorge demanding Thomas speak first, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation.
Thomas begins recounting his group’s harrowing experiences, from the Maze to their current mission to reach a safe haven. He explains WICKED’s manipulation and the Flare’s threat, hoping to find common ground with Jorge. Though Jorge remains stoic, Thomas senses a flicker of interest when he mentions a potential cure. He strategically proposes an alliance, suggesting Jorge and his fellow Cranks could also be cured if they help Thomas’s group survive the journey.
Jorge’s demeanor shifts slightly when Thomas mentions the cure, revealing a glimmer of hope beneath his hardened exterior. He questions Thomas about the Flare’s effects, revealing his own recent infection and the grim reality of the disease’s progression. Jorge explains that while he and his group are in the early stages, the Flare eventually drives people to madness, hinting at the horrors Thomas might encounter in the city. His tone mixes bitterness with a reluctant curiosity about Thomas’s offer.
The chapter ends with an uneasy tension, as Jorge’s recognition of Thomas’s name hints at deeper connections yet to be revealed. Thomas’s proposal hangs in the balance, with Jorge weighing the possibility of salvation against his distrust. The exchange underscores the desperation of both characters, trapped in a world where survival and sanity are constantly at stake. The chapter sets the stage for further collaboration or conflict, leaving their alliance uncertain.
FAQs
1. How does the physical environment of the building contribute to the tension in this chapter?
Answer:
The dark, mildewed hallway with dripping water creates a sense of decay and unease, mirroring Thomas’s internal anxiety. The creepy echoes that remind him of blood foreshadow potential violence, while the pitch-black room heightens disorientation and vulnerability. When Jorge reveals the blinding sunlight through the unbroken window, the sudden shift from darkness to harsh light symbolizes the jarring nature of their confrontation. The sparse furniture (two chairs and a table) reinforces the stark, high-stakes nature of their conversation. These environmental details collectively amplify the psychological tension between Thomas and Jorge.2. Analyze how Thomas attempts to negotiate with Jorge. What strategies does he use, and why might he omit Teresa from his account?
Answer:
Thomas employs a calculated approach: he initially asserts dignity by opening the door confidently, then adopts a cooperative tone to build rapport. He frames WICKED as a shared enemy and strategically reveals the “cure” as leverage, appealing to Jorge’s self-interest. His omission of Teresa may stem from emotional pain (the “prick of pain” he feels mentioning her) or tactical caution—her role might complicate his narrative or expose vulnerabilities. By focusing on collective survival and downplaying personal connections, Thomas aims to present a unified front that aligns with Jorge’s potential desire for a cure.3. What does Jorge’s reaction to the word “stupid” reveal about his character and the power dynamics in this scene?
Answer:
Jorge’s sharp rebuke (“I’d strongly advise you never to use the word stupid with me again”) underscores his need for control and respect, traits likely intensified by his Crank status. His threat establishes dominance, forcing Thomas to recalibrate his language. This moment highlights the precarious power balance: Jorge holds literal power (weapons, threats), but Thomas possesses information about the cure. Jorge’s sensitivity to perceived insults suggests insecurity, possibly tied to his early-stage Flare infection or his leadership role among Cranks, where weakness could be dangerous.4. How does the chapter develop the theme of hope amid desperation? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Hope emerges through Thomas’s risky gamble—the “cure” offer—which briefly cracks Jorge’s indifference (“a flash… of hope”). Jorge’s revelation about the Flare’s stages introduces another layer: early-stage Cranks like him still retain rationality, making hope plausible. Thomas’s persistent storytelling, despite its “crazy” sound, reflects his faith that shared adversity might unite them. Conversely, hope is fragile; Jorge masks his hope with “blank indifference,” and Thomas’s breath catches at the word “newbies,” recalling traumatic Glade memories. The chapter balances desperation (rotting building, threats) with glimmers of potential salvation.5. Why might Jorge react with recognition to Thomas’s name? Speculate based on textual clues and series lore.
Answer:
Jorge’s surprise (“Thomas, huh… Tom, maybe?”) hints at prior knowledge, possibly from WICKED’s influence or pre-Flashback connections. In the Maze Runner universe, WICKED often manipulates memories and identities; Thomas’s name may trigger Jorge’s fragmented recollections. Alternatively, Jorge might associate “Thomas” with resistance legends or WICKED’s targets. His use of “hermano” (brother) suggests familiarity, implying Thomas’s significance extends beyond this encounter. This moment foreshadows deeper ties between Cranks and Gladers, reinforcing the series’ theme of interconnected fates under WICKED’s experiments.
Quotes
1. “Make even the slightest move against me, everyone dies.”
This quote captures Jorge’s menacing authority and the high-stakes tension of the scene. It establishes the power dynamic between Jorge and Thomas, setting the tone for their fraught negotiation.
2. “The Flare works in stages, muchacho. Every person in this city has it, and I’m not shocked to hear that you and your sissy friends do, too.”
This revelation about the Flare’s progression and ubiquity provides critical world-building context. Jorge’s explanation marks a turning point where Thomas learns more about the disease affecting them all.
3. “They told us we have the Flare. And that if we make it to the safe haven, we’ll all be cured. They said they have a cure. If you help us get there, maybe you can get it, too.”
Thomas’s pivotal offer represents the chapter’s central conflict - the desperate hope for a cure. This moment shows Thomas attempting to turn the tables by appealing to Jorge’s self-interest.
4. “Someone like me is in the beginning, a Crank in name only. I caught it just a few weeks ago, tested positive at the quarantine checkpoint—government’s trying their damnedest to keep the sick and the well separate. Ain’t working.”
Jorge’s personal account of the Flare’s early stages provides crucial insight into the pandemic’s societal impact. This quote reveals the failed containment efforts and Jorge’s own precarious position.