The Scorch Trials
Chapter 46
by Dashner, JamesThomas, confused by Teresa’s accusation that he had wronged her, is forcibly taken by Group B to their camp in the Scorch. The journey is grueling, with the harsh environment and limited water adding to his discomfort. Upon arrival, he observes their makeshift camp and the armed girls, noting Teresa’s apparent leadership over Harriet and Sonya. Despite their hostile actions, Thomas senses underlying guilt in their demeanor, hinting at reluctance in their mission to kill him.
Teresa orders Thomas tied to a dead tree, mocking him while providing minimal food and water. Thomas, though physically restrained, remains mentally alert, questioning Teresa’s motives and recalling the “Betrayer” label from their past. He speculates whether WICKED is manipulating her or if she genuinely believes he deserves punishment. His tattoo and city signs, which labeled him as the true leader, further complicate his understanding of the situation.
Thomas attempts to reason with Harriet and Sonya, challenging their willingness to kill him. Harriet dismisses his concerns, boasting about their survival skills, while Sonya admits they are following WICKED’s orders to secure their own safety. Thomas sarcastically critiques their moral compromise, but their resolve wavers slightly, revealing internal conflict. Teresa interrupts, reinforcing their hostile stance, though Thomas detects fleeting hints of hesitation in her behavior.
The chapter culminates in a tense exchange between Thomas and Teresa, where he demands an explanation for her sudden hatred. She cryptically insists he knows his wrongdoing, refusing to elaborate. Despite her threats, Thomas remains defiant, determined to uncover the truth behind her betrayal and WICKED’s schemes. As the group settles for sleep, Thomas resolves to survive, his mind racing with unanswered questions about trust, survival, and the true nature of their ordeal.
FAQs
1. What are the key details about Group B’s camp as described in the chapter, and what do these details suggest about their situation?
Answer:
Group B’s camp is located in a shallow cave about forty feet deep in the mountain face, with blankets strewn about, remains of a fire, and piled trash. The camp appears to have been occupied for a day or two, suggesting temporary shelter rather than a permanent base. Only three girls were present when Thomas arrived, indicating most of the group was sent to capture him—highlighting their perceived need for overwhelming force. The harsh, dusty environment and limited resources (e.g., shared water, granola bars) underscore the survival challenges they face in the Scorch. These details imply Group B is operating under WICKED’s directives, prioritizing tasks like capturing Thomas over long-term comfort.2. Analyze Teresa’s behavior toward Thomas in this chapter. What contradictions or hidden motives might be present based on her words and actions?
Answer:
Teresa’s behavior is outwardly hostile—she orders Thomas tied to a tree, mocks him, and claims he betrayed her. However, Thomas notices her exaggerated tone (“laying it on a little thick”) and wonders if her actions are an act. Her cryptic statement (“You know what you did”) lacks specificity, and Thomas recalls her dorm label (“The Betrayer”), hinting at WICKED’s manipulation. A fleeting expression (“Did something just flash in her eyes?”) suggests possible covert communication. These contradictions imply Teresa may be feigning animosity to maintain her cover with Group B while secretly aiding Thomas, or that WICKED has altered her memories to turn her against him.3. How does Thomas’s observation of Harriet and Sonya’s guilt impact his strategy for survival?
Answer:
Thomas notices Harriet and Sonya’s guilty expressions when they interact with him, which he interprets as reluctance to kill him. He leverages this by questioning their morality (“Think of the guilt you’ll feel”) and mocking their justification (“Sacrifice me to save yourselves. Very noble”). Their defensive responses—Harriet’s exaggerated threat (“knocking off one little insignificant boy”) and Sonya’s admission of coercion (“WICKED said that was our only task”)—reveal their internal conflict. Thomas uses this to sow doubt, hoping to weaken their resolve. His strategy shifts from physical resistance to psychological manipulation, aiming to exploit their empathy.4. What role does memory play in the tension between Thomas and Teresa, and how does it connect to broader themes in the series?
Answer:
Memory gaps fuel their conflict: Teresa accuses Thomas of betraying her (“You know what you did”), but he genuinely doesn’t recall, highlighting the recurring theme of manipulated or erased memories in the series. Thomas’s sudden recollection of Teresa’s “Betrayer” tag underscores WICKED’s role in distorting their past. This mirrors broader themes of trust and identity—characters struggle to distinguish real memories from implanted ones, and relationships fracture under WICKED’s interference. The ambiguity (e.g., is Teresa lying or manipulated?) reflects the series’ exploration of free will versus control.5. Evaluate the significance of Thomas’s internal monologue: “Something wasn’t right about all this.” How does this moment reflect his character development?
Answer:
This line marks Thomas’s transition from confusion to active critical thinking. Despite physical exhaustion and fear, he methodically observes his surroundings (Group B’s guilt, Teresa’s inconsistencies) and pieces together clues (Teresa’s label, WICKED’s possible mind manipulation). Unlike earlier panic, he now analyzes contradictions calmly, demonstrating growth in resilience and strategic thinking. His resolve (“he couldn’t quit”) shows maturity—he focuses on solving the puzzle rather than despairing. This moment encapsulates his evolution from a reactive survivor to a proactive leader, aligning with the tattoo’s message (“the real leader”).
Quotes
1. “Laying it on a little thick, isn’t she? Thomas thought. Whatever her true intentions, her words had started to get a little ridiculous. And he couldn’t deny it anymore—he was really starting to hate her, no matter what she’d said in the beginning.”
This quote captures Thomas’s growing distrust and resentment toward Teresa, marking a pivotal shift in their relationship. It reflects the chapter’s tension and the psychological manipulation at play.
2. “With a jolt he remembered the tag outside her door back in the dorm. The Betrayer. He’d completely forgotten about it until that moment. Things started to make more sense.”
This moment of realization underscores the theme of memory and betrayal, as Thomas connects Teresa’s label (“The Betrayer”) to her current actions, deepening the mystery of WICKED’s influence.
3. ““We don’t have a choice. WICKED said that was our only task. If we don’t do it, they won’t let us in at the safe haven. We’ll die out here in the Scorch.””
Sonya’s statement highlights the moral dilemma faced by Group B—forced to choose between survival and morality. It emphasizes the oppressive control WICKED holds over the characters.
4. ““You know what you did,” Teresa finally said. “So does everyone here—I told them all about it. But even still, I wouldn’t have sunk to your level and tried to kill you. We’re only doing that because we have no choice. Sorry. Life’s tough.””
This quote reveals Teresa’s conflicted emotions and the unresolved history between her and Thomas. It also reinforces the chapter’s exploration of manipulation and survival at any cost.
5. “Everything about his current situation stank, but he was determined to figure it out and survive.”
Thomas’s resolve here encapsulates the chapter’s tone of desperation and resilience. It sets the stage for his continued struggle against WICKED and Group B.