The Scorch Trials
Chapter 32
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 32 of *The Scorch Trials*, Thomas and Brenda encounter a grotesque, disfigured man afflicted by the Flare, who taunts them with disturbing humor about his missing nose. The man’s unsettling laughter and animalistic demeanor unsettle Thomas, while Brenda remains eerily composed. When the man advances, Brenda reacts swiftly, throwing a can at his face, triggering a shriek that draws more Cranks—similarly mutilated and deranged—from the darkness. The group’s menacing presence heightens the tension as Thomas realizes the full horror of the Flare’s effects on its victims.
As the Cranks close in, Thomas and Brenda flee, their pursuers’ cries echoing like a nightmarish chorus. Despite the Cranks’ injuries, Thomas fears more may lie ahead. Brenda leads him through a maze of turns, eventually turning off her flashlight to evade detection. Trusting her guidance, Thomas follows blindly, questioning his reliance on her but seeing no alternative. The pair stops in the darkness, listening as the Cranks draw nearer, their chaotic noises amplifying the sense of dread.
Brenda reveals a hidden compartment under a table, urging Thomas to crawl inside with her. The tight space forces them into close proximity, lying side by side in silence. Thomas struggles to stay calm as the Cranks’ noises grow louder—coughing, shouting, and mad laughter filling the air. Brenda squeezes his hand, a small comfort amid the terror. Thomas rationalizes their hiding spot, hoping the Cranks will pass by without discovering them, though doubt lingers.
The Cranks eventually enter the room, their disjointed voices and movements unnervingly close. The lead Crank taunts them, demanding their noses, while others dismiss the room as empty. The creak of the table suggests they’re inspecting it, leaving Thomas and Brenda in breathless suspense. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, emphasizing the pair’s vulnerability and the ever-present threat of the Flare’s victims closing in.
FAQs
1. How does the physical description of the Cranks contribute to the atmosphere of horror in this chapter?
Answer:
The Cranks’ grotesque physical descriptions heighten the horror through visceral details. The lead Crank has a “hideous” appearance with one functional arm and leg, a “gruesomely scarred purple” tongue, and a missing nose—a detail shared by all Cranks. Their movements are labored (“lumbering step,” “arm shaking and useless”), while their voices feature “disgusting crackle[s]” and “wet chortle[s].” These elements create a sense of decay and inhumanity. The collective emergence of more Cranks—”raging mad and injured head to toe”—amplifies the threat, emphasizing the Flare’s dehumanizing effects and the protagonists’ vulnerability in close quarters.2. Analyze the significance of Brenda’s actions during the Crank encounter. What do they reveal about her character?
Answer:
Brenda demonstrates quick thinking and assertiveness under pressure. She initially maintains composure, engaging the lead Crank with sarcasm (“That’s some funny stuff”) while secretly preparing to act. Her decision to throw cans—first as a distraction, then as a signal to flee—shows strategic awareness. Later, she guides Thomas to a hidden compartment with precision, recalling its location from prior exploration. This reveals her resourcefulness, familiarity with dangerous environments, and leadership in crises. However, her unilateral actions (e.g., turning off the flashlight without explanation) also suggest a self-reliant streak, forcing Thomas to trust her despite limited information.3. How does the author use sensory details to immerse the reader in Thomas’s experience while hiding?
Answer:
The author emphasizes auditory and tactile sensations to create claustrophobic tension. Thomas hears the Cranks’ “swishes of shuffling feet,” “gibberish” arguments, and a laugh that makes him “shudder.” These sounds grow louder as the Cranks approach, mimicking his heightened awareness. Tactile details—Brenda’s hand squeeze, the “hard, smooth wood” of the table, and their cramped positioning (“back pressed against her front”)—anchor the scene in physical discomfort. Darkness amplifies these senses, as Thomas “pat[s] surfaces” to navigate. The absence of visual cues forces the reader to rely on other senses, mirroring Thomas’s disorientation and fear.4. What thematic insights does this chapter provide about the effects of the Flare?
Answer:
The chapter underscores the Flare’s dual destruction of body and mind. Physically, Cranks are “consumed” by injuries (missing noses, scarred tongues) and impaired mobility. Mentally, they exhibit erratic behavior—uncontrollable laughter, violent coughing, and disjointed speech (“Rose took my nose… it really blows”). Their obsession with stealing noses symbolizes lost humanity. The lead Crank’s shift between snarling and attempted humor reflects fractured cognition. Notably, the Cranks retain enough coordination to hunt, suggesting the Flare’s cruelty: it preserves predatory instincts while eroding empathy. Thomas’s realization of the disease’s personal threat (“no bars to keep them away”) highlights its inescapable horror.5. Evaluate the chapter’s portrayal of trust through Thomas and Brenda’s interactions.
Answer:
Trust is portrayed as both necessary and uneasy. Thomas repeatedly follows Brenda’s lead—fleeing when she throws cans, accepting her guidance in darkness—despite inner doubts (“how much he was trusting Brenda”). His reliance on her contrasts with earlier self-reliance, showing survival sometimes demands interdependence. Brenda, while helpful, withholds information (e.g., not explaining her light switch-off), creating asymmetric trust. Their physical closeness in hiding (“breath on his neck”) contrasts with Thomas’s guilt over Teresa, complicating the bond. The chapter suggests trust in dire circumstances is pragmatic but fraught with unspoken risks and emotional conflict.
Quotes
1. “Rose took my nose, I suppose… And it really blows.”
This chilling line from the lead Crank introduces the grotesque reality of the Flare virus’s effects. The dark humor mixed with physical horror encapsulates the dehumanization of the Cranks, setting the tone for the terrifying encounter.
2. “The faces of the Cranks were primitive and animalistic… He now knew better than ever what the Flare did to people.”
This observation from Thomas’ perspective reveals the visceral impact of seeing the Flare’s victims up close. It marks a turning point in his understanding of the disease’s horrors, moving from theoretical knowledge to personal experience.
3. “The psychotic shrill of their pursuers’ cries rose behind them like the battle call of a demon army.”
This vivid simile captures the nightmarish quality of the chase scene. The language emphasizes how the Cranks have become something inhuman, transforming what should be human voices into something terrifying and otherworldly.
4. “Little booooooy… Little girrrrrrrrl. Come out come out make a sound make a sound. I want your noses.”
The lead Crank’s taunting singsong in the climax creates intense psychological horror. The childish phrasing contrasted with the violent intent shows how the Flare distorts both mind and behavior in its victims.
5. “He couldn’t help that this girl was so touchy-feely. And what a stupid thing to think when you have—”
This interrupted thought reveals Thomas’ internal conflict about Brenda while highlighting how survival situations force emotional connections. The abrupt cutoff mirrors how immediate danger interrupts normal human concerns.