The Scorch Trials
Chapter 40
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with Thomas being shot in the shoulder during a chaotic confrontation. The impact spins him to the ground, and he hears gunfire, grunts, and the sounds of a struggle nearby. Minho tackles Blondie, who had shot Thomas, while Newt rushes to Thomas’s side. Thomas examines his wound, horrified by the blood and intense pain. As Newt applies pressure to the injury, Thomas nearly passes out from the agony, wishing for unconsciousness to escape the suffering. The group decides to flee the area, carrying Thomas as he drifts in and out of awareness, barely registering the distant screams of Cranks and the scorching heat.
Thomas awakens later to find himself being transported by his companions, his shoulder still throbbing with pain. The group stops in an open area, where Jorge prepares to remove the bullet using a heated knife. Thomas barely processes the warning that the procedure will be excruciating before the pain overwhelms him, sending him into unconsciousness once more. When he wakes again, Brenda holds his hand under a starry sky, but his relief is short-lived. A deep, gnawing ache spreads through his body, suggesting infection. Thomas feels increasingly weak and feverish, his condition deteriorating rapidly.
The next morning, Thomas’s pain has worsened, consuming his entire body. Despair sets in as he struggles to comprehend how he’ll survive the day. Suddenly, the group reacts to a loud, thrumming noise—a Berg approaching from the sky. The wind intensifies, and Brenda, visibly distressed, apologizes to Thomas for an unspecified reason. Before she can explain, two masked figures in strange uniforms seize Thomas, their appearance terrifying and inhuman. One grabs his legs while the other lifts him by the armpits, causing him to scream in pain and fear.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Thomas is forcibly taken by the mysterious figures, his fate uncertain. The group’s panic and Thomas’s deteriorating health heighten the tension, leaving readers questioning the identity and motives of the newcomers. The scene underscores the relentless danger and unpredictability of the Scorch, as Thomas faces yet another life-threatening ordeal. The chapter’s vivid descriptions of pain and fear emphasize the physical and emotional toll on the characters, setting the stage for the next phase of their harrowing journey.
FAQs
1. What are the key physical and emotional challenges Thomas faces after being shot in Chapter 40?
Answer:
Thomas experiences severe physical pain from the gunshot wound in his shoulder, described as “three or four” headaches combined with “living metal staples” pricking his insides. The wound bleeds profusely, and the pain is so intense he repeatedly loses consciousness. Emotionally, Thomas grapples with fear and despair, especially when he suspects an infection is spreading through his body, causing a “gnawing, itching filthiness” and making him question his survival. His mental state deteriorates as the pain becomes all-consuming, highlighting his vulnerability in this life-threatening situation.2. How do Thomas’s allies (Minho, Newt, Jorge, and Brenda) respond to his injury, and what does this reveal about their characters?
Answer:
Minho immediately tackles Blondie, showing his protective and aggressive nature. Newt remains calm and practical, pressing a shirt to Thomas’s wound and organizing his transport, demonstrating leadership and compassion. Jorge offers to remove the bullet but acknowledges the procedure will be painful, revealing his pragmatic yet rough-around-the-edges personality. Brenda holds Thomas’s hand and stays by his side, displaying loyalty and emotional support. Their collective actions underscore the group’s solidarity and their willingness to risk themselves for each other despite the dire circumstances.3. Analyze the significance of the “Berg” scene at the chapter’s end. How does it contribute to the suspense and foreshadow future events?
Answer:
The arrival of the Berg—a mysterious aircraft—introduces a new threat and raises questions about the masked figures’ intentions. The chaotic description (“deep thrumming,” “gas masks,” “human-eating insects”) creates unease, suggesting WICKED or another hostile force is intervening. Thomas’s inability to resist as they seize him heightens suspense, leaving readers to wonder if this is a rescue or capture. The scene foreshadows a shift in the group’s journey, potentially separating Thomas from his allies and introducing a new phase of trials or conflict.4. How does Dashner use sensory details to immerse readers in Thomas’s pain and disorientation? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Dashner employs vivid sensory language to convey Thomas’s suffering. Tactile details like “fire in his veins” and “maggots squirming through his veins” evoke physical agony. Auditory cues (ringing ears, muffled voices, distant Cranks) mirror his fading consciousness. Visual blurring (“golden gleam of twilight,” “stars like pinpricks”) reflects his wavering awareness. The “hiss” before the bullet removal and the Berg’s “thrumming” vibrations amplify tension. These details immerse readers in Thomas’s perspective, making his pain and confusion palpable.5. Why might Thomas’s infection be a critical turning point in the story, based on the chapter’s hints?
Answer:
The infection suggests Thomas’s body is failing, which could force the group to seek outside help—possibly leading them into WICKED’s hands. The word “infection” recurs ominously, hinting at a larger threat (e.g., the Flare virus). His deteriorating condition may test the group’s loyalty or reveal hidden truths about their immunity. Additionally, his vulnerability contrasts with his usual resilience, signaling a shift in his role. The Berg’s arrival immediately after this realization implies external forces are monitoring his health, tying his survival to the overarching conspiracy.
Quotes
1. “The pain, like living metal staples running through his insides, pricking and scratching with their little sharp points.”
This visceral description captures Thomas’s extreme suffering after being shot, using powerful imagery to convey physical agony. It represents a key moment where Thomas’s endurance is pushed to its limits.
2. “Pass out, he urged himself. Please pass out, make it go away.”
This internal plea shows Thomas’s desperation to escape pain, highlighting the psychological toll of his injuries. It marks a turning point where consciousness becomes unbearable.
3. “Something foul, like maggots squirming through his veins and the hollows of his bones and between his muscles. Eating away at him.”
This grotesque metaphor illustrates Thomas’s growing infection, signaling a dangerous deterioration in his condition. The imagery emphasizes the life-threatening nature of his wound.
4. “Despair sucked at him, an empty, yawning void that threatened to pull him down into an awful abyss.”
This quote captures Thomas’s psychological state as pain and infection overwhelm him. It shows the character’s lowest point before the mysterious Berg arrives.
5. “They looked hideous and alien. They looked evil, like giant, demented, human-eating insects wrapped in plastic.”
This description of the masked figures creates intense suspense at the chapter’s climax. The unsettling imagery foreshadows a new threat to Thomas and his group.