The Scorch Trials
Chapter 31
by Dashner, JamesThomas and Brenda navigate the grim, labyrinthine tunnels of the Underneath, a decaying underground structure with damp concrete walls and broken fixtures. The oppressive environment feels like a haunted tomb, leaving Thomas to speculate about its original purpose—whether for work, emergencies, or escape. Their journey is marked by silence, broken only by the echoes of their footsteps and distant water droplets. Despite Brenda’s confidence in leading the way, Thomas grows weary, his energy fading until they pause to eat, their surroundings a monotonous blend of dust and dampness.
As they resume their trek, Brenda playfully startles Thomas with a flashlight under her face, prompting a tense exchange about their shared fate as Cranks—infected with the Flare virus. Thomas clings to hope for a cure, but Brenda’s blunt acknowledgment of their condition unsettles him. Their conversation shifts to the Rat Man’s promises, though doubts linger. The physical exertion of walking numbs Thomas’s anxieties, and his thoughts drift to Teresa and the Gladers, wondering if they’ve escaped the city safely.
The pair reaches a large, multi-tunneled room, which Brenda identifies as the city’s center. Their brief respite is interrupted by the sound of breaking glass, suggesting they’re being followed. Brenda dismisses it as rats, but Thomas suspects a trap, arguing against investigating. Their debate is cut short when a grotesque, disfigured man emerges from the shadows, his appearance horrifying—missing an eye, nose, and covered in sores. His sudden presence and bizarre statement, “Rose took my nose, I suppose,” heighten the tension, leaving Thomas and Brenda frozen in fear.
The chapter culminates in a chilling standoff, as the deranged man’s unnerving demeanor and cryptic words amplify the sense of danger. Brenda’s earlier bravado fades, replaced by genuine alarm, while Thomas grapples with the surreal horror of the encounter. The scene underscores the unpredictability of their journey, blending physical exhaustion with psychological dread, and leaving their next move uncertain as the threat looms closer.
FAQs
1. How does the author establish the atmosphere of “The Underneath” in this chapter, and what effect does this have on Thomas’s experience?
Answer:
The author creates a grim, oppressive atmosphere through vivid descriptions of the setting: “dank, miserable,” with “dull gray” concrete walls, streaks of water, and broken light fixtures coated in dust. The imagery evokes a sense of decay and abandonment, comparing it to a “haunted tomb.” This environment intensifies Thomas’s discomfort and unease, as noted when he “almost preferred the utter darkness” to seeing the dismal surroundings. The lifeless, repetitive tunnels also contribute to his mental fatigue, making the journey feel endless and disorienting.2. Analyze the significance of Brenda’s statement, “I am a Crank, Thomas. Got the Flare, I’m a Crank. You are, too.” How does this moment impact their dynamic and Thomas’s mindset?
Answer:
Brenda’s blunt admission forces Thomas to confront their shared reality—both are infected with the Flare, a fatal disease that leads to madness (“Crank” status). This moment creates tension, as Thomas struggles to reconcile Brenda’s humanity with her eventual fate, especially when her flashlight prank makes her look like a Crank. His hesitation to label her reflects his denial, while her matter-of-fact tone underscores the urgency of their mission for a cure. The exchange deepens their bond through shared vulnerability but also heightens Thomas’s anxiety about their survival.3. What does the encounter with the disfigured man reveal about the world outside the Maze, and why is his dialogue particularly unsettling?
Answer:
The man’s grotesque appearance—missing nose, bloody scalp, and twitching limbs—visually represents the Flare’s devastating effects, emphasizing the horror of the post-apocalyptic world. His nonsensical statement, “Rose took my nose, I suppose,” contrasts absurdly with his terrifying presence, amplifying the unease. This juxtaposition suggests that the disease has eroded his sanity, reducing him to a fragmented, almost surreal threat. The encounter reinforces the constant danger Thomas and Brenda face, while the man’s cryptic words hint at the arbitrary cruelty of their world.4. Compare Thomas’s reactions to the mysterious noises (the breaking lights) and the eventual appearance of the Crank. What do these responses reveal about his character development?
Answer:
Thomas initially tries to rationalize the noises (suggesting rats or traps), showing his analytical side. However, when the Crank appears, his fear becomes visceral—he stares “mesmerized” at the man’s horrific features, indicating how raw terror can override logic. This shift highlights his growing awareness of the world’s unpredictability. Unlike earlier in the series, where he might rely solely on reason, he now balances caution with instinct, as seen when he debates Brenda about investigating the sounds versus fleeing.5. How does the chapter use silence and sound to build suspense during Thomas and Brenda’s journey? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter contrasts prolonged silence with sudden, jarring sounds to create tension. The tunnels are mostly silent except for “distant drops of water” and their footsteps, making the abrupt “pop” and “tinkle of glass” stand out ominously. Brenda’s whispered dialogue also feels “way too loud,” emphasizing their vulnerability. When the Crank appears, his gurgly voice breaks the quiet with absurdity, heightening the horror. These auditory details immerse the reader in Thomas’s paranoia, where every noise could signal danger.
Quotes
1. “The Underneath was a dank, miserable place. Thomas almost preferred the utter darkness to being able to see what was around him.”
This opening quote establishes the oppressive atmosphere of the underground tunnels, setting the tone for the chapter. It highlights Thomas’s psychological state and the grim reality of their environment.
2. “I am a Crank, Thomas. Got the Flare, I’m a Crank. You are, too.”
This pivotal exchange between Brenda and Thomas confronts their shared reality of being infected with the Flare virus. It underscores the looming threat of their transformation and the emotional weight of their condition.
3. “A loud pop startled Thomas, like a glass bulb breaking… Another pop, this time followed by the tinkle of glass sprinkling on the floor.”
These moments build tension as Thomas and Brenda realize they’re being followed. The eerie sounds foreshadow the appearance of the terrifying Crank, marking a key turning point in the chapter’s suspense.
4. “Rose took my nose, I suppose.”
This absurd yet horrifying statement from the disfigured Crank creates a chilling contrast between childish phrasing and grotesque reality. It encapsulates the surreal horror of the Flare’s effects on its victims.