The Scorch Trials
Chapter 57
by Dashner, JamesThomas and his group arrive at what they believe is the safe haven, only to find it marked by nothing more than an orange ribbon tied to a stick. Confused and frustrated, Thomas questions the purpose of their journey, while Minho remains optimistic, insisting there must be a reason for their arrival. Teresa shares Thomas’s skepticism, warning that something ominous likely awaits them. Tensions rise as Minho openly expresses his distrust of Teresa, highlighting the fractured dynamics within the group.
The arrival of Brenda introduces further tension, particularly between her and Teresa. Brenda’s dark humor about being a Crank—a person infected with the Flare virus—adds an unsettling tone to their interaction. Thomas, caught in the middle, feels guilty and overwhelmed, choosing to distance himself from both girls. The group’s unease is compounded by the approaching storm, with ominous clouds and flashes of light signaling impending danger. The bleak atmosphere mirrors their growing desperation and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Thomas reunites with Newt, Frypan, and Minho, who are waiting resignedly for the next challenge. He recounts his recent experiences with WICKED and Teresa, revealing his lingering distrust despite their temporary alliance. Minho remains hostile toward Teresa and Aris, while Newt questions the logic behind WICKED’s manipulations. The group’s exhaustion and dwindling supplies amplify their frustration, yet they resolve to wait out the remaining time, hoping for answers. The storm’s intensifying winds and darkening sky heighten the sense of impending doom.
The chapter culminates in a shocking discovery as sections of the desert floor begin to flip open, revealing coffin-like containers reminiscent of those used to house the Grievers in the Maze. Thomas recognizes the objects, realizing their terrifying implications. As more panels open around them, the group is surrounded, signaling the arrival of a new threat. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the characters—and readers—bracing for the unknown horrors about to emerge.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas react when he first sees the “safe haven,” and what does this reveal about his expectations?
Answer:
Thomas initially experiences a moment of stunned disbelief, with the world seeming to go quiet around him as he falls to his knees and numbly touches the orange ribbon. His reaction reveals he expected the safe haven to be a substantial shelter or building, not just a marker in the desert. His confusion and anger (“Our safe haven is a stick in the ground?”) highlight his growing distrust of WICKED’s motives and the psychological toll of their trials. This moment underscores the recurring theme of betrayal and manipulation in the story.2. Analyze the tension between Teresa and Minho in this chapter. What does their conflict reveal about the group’s dynamics?
Answer:
Minho’s open hostility toward Teresa—calling her a “traitor” and refusing to listen to her—reflects the deep fractures in the group’s trust. His anger stems from Teresa’s past betrayal in the Maze, which he cannot forgive, even if her actions were coerced by WICKED. Teresa’s resigned response (“I’m sick of apologizing”) shows her weariness but also her acceptance of being an outsider. This conflict illustrates how WICKED’s manipulations have lasting consequences, making unity among the Gladers fragile despite their shared goal of survival.3. What foreshadowing is present in the chapter regarding the impending storm and the mysterious objects emerging from the ground?
Answer:
The storm’s intensification—with lowering clouds, flashes of light, and moisture-laden wind—creates a sense of impending doom. Thomas notes it resembles the start of the first deadly storm, hinting at danger. The sudden appearance of rotating desert sections and coffin-like objects (similar to Griever containers from the Maze) further foreshadows a new threat. These details build suspense, suggesting WICKED’s “safe haven” is another trap, and the Gladers will face physical or psychological trials before achieving safety.4. How does Brenda’s introduction to Teresa escalate the tension in the chapter, and what does her sarcastic humor reveal about her character?
Answer:
Brenda’s pointed remark about “snuggling in that truck” and her dark joke about being a Crank (“I keep wanting to chew off my own fingers”) immediately create tension with Teresa. Her sarcasm masks deeper vulnerability and fear about her Flare infection, revealing her coping mechanism: using humor to deflect pain. The icy exchange between the girls forces Thomas to retreat, highlighting his emotional conflict and the complicated relationships that distract from the group’s survival priorities.5. Why does Newt insist on staying at the safe haven despite the storm and emerging threats? What does this decision suggest about his leadership style?
Answer:
Newt argues, “We didn’t come this far to go back now,” emphasizing perseverance despite risks. His decision reflects pragmatic leadership—weighing the unknown danger of the storm against the certainty of WICKED’s timeline. Unlike Thomas’s impulse to flee, Newt prioritizes sticking to the plan, showing his role as a stabilizing force. However, his grimace at the storm hints at underlying fear, suggesting his leadership balances hope with realism, a contrast to Minho’s aggression or Thomas’s doubt.
Quotes
1. “This was the safe haven? Not a building, a shelter, something?”
Thomas expresses disbelief upon discovering their supposed safe haven is merely a ribbon on a stick, highlighting the stark contrast between expectations and reality in their harsh journey.
2. “After everything they’ve done to us, it’d be way too easy to have a little sign here, and then they come get us in a nice helicopter as a reward. Something bad’s gonna happen.”
Teresa voices the group’s collective distrust of WICKED, foreshadowing impending danger despite reaching their destination. This reflects the persistent tension and paranoia among the survivors.
3. “I’m a Crank. I’m slowly going crazy. I keep wanting to chew off my own fingers and randomly kill people. Thomas here promised to save me.”
Brenda’s darkly humorous yet chilling self-introduction to Teresa underscores the grim reality of the Flare virus while revealing complex interpersonal dynamics between the characters.
4. “They went through all that—all that planning and acting—just to make you feel betrayed? Doesn’t make any bloody sense.”
Newt articulates the central mystery of WICKED’s motives, encapsulating the characters’ struggle to understand the cruel psychological experiments being performed on them.
5. “Dozens of them.”
This stark closing sentence reveals the terrifying emergence of multiple Griever containers, serving as a powerful cliffhanger that transforms the “safe haven” into a new nightmare scenario.