The Scorch Trials
Chapter 60
by Dashner, JamesThe chapter opens with a chaotic scene as lightning strikes violently around Thomas and his companions, leaving destruction in its wake. The group is scattered—some fighting monstrous creatures, others injured or recovering. Thomas, Teresa, Minho, Newt, and Frypan assess the damage while Brenda and Jorge continue battling. The storm rages on, with rain pouring down and thunder booming. Amid the chaos, Thomas realizes they must find shelter quickly to survive the next wave of lightning. He checks his watch, noting they have only ten minutes left, and suggests they take cover inside nearby pods, despite the risks.
Thomas and Teresa sprint to the nearest pod, a split-open container filled with dirty water. They prioritize their own survival, trusting the others to follow their lead. As they climb inside, lightning strikes nearby, emphasizing the urgency. Brenda and Jorge arrive just in time, squeezing into the cramped space before Thomas and Teresa seal the pod shut. The group huddles in darkness, listening to the storm outside and hoping their friends have found similar refuge. Despite the tension, there’s a brief moment of camaraderie as Jorge thanks Thomas for letting them in, though Brenda’s sarcastic remark hints at underlying distrust.
Inside the pod, the situation grows dire as lightning strikes again, cracking the ceiling and letting in water and steam. The group debates whether to stay or risk opening the pod to investigate a strange, humming sound growing louder outside. With only minutes left on the timer, Thomas decides they must act, convincing the others to push the lid open despite the danger. The storm’s intensity is overwhelming, but the sight of a massive, descending aircraft—the Berg—captures their attention, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as the Berg, the same ship that once rescued Thomas, hovers above them, its thrusters blazing. The group’s relief is tempered by uncertainty, as they don’t yet know whether the aircraft brings salvation or new threats. The timer on Thomas’s watch ticks down to the final second, leaving their fate unresolved. The chapter masterfully blends action, tension, and character dynamics, setting the stage for the next dramatic turn in their survival ordeal.
FAQs
1. What immediate dangers do Thomas and his group face in this chapter, and how do they attempt to survive?
Answer:
The group faces a violent lightning storm that strikes unpredictably, killing at least one person and leaving others in peril. The lightning creates a burning smell and throws debris into the air, adding to the chaos. To survive, Thomas, Teresa, Brenda, and Jorge take shelter in one of the open pods, which they manage to close despite the tight space and rising water. The pod provides temporary protection, though it is damaged by a lightning strike, causing a leak. Their quick thinking and teamwork highlight their resilience in dire circumstances.2. How does the communication between Thomas and Teresa demonstrate their unique bond?
Answer:
Thomas and Teresa communicate telepathically in this chapter, showcasing their deep connection. When Thomas suggests finding shelter, Teresa immediately responds mentally, and they coordinate their actions without verbal exchange. This ability allows them to make rapid decisions under pressure, such as choosing the pod as their refuge. Their trust is further evident when Thomas grabs Teresa’s hand to run, and she follows without hesitation. Their mental link not only emphasizes their closeness but also serves as a strategic advantage in life-threatening situations.3. Analyze the significance of the Berg’s arrival at the end of the chapter. What might it imply for the group’s future?
Answer:
The Berg’s sudden appearance introduces a potential turning point in the narrative. As a large, advanced aircraft, it represents either rescue or another layer of danger, given the unpredictability of their world. Thomas recognizes it as the same ship that saved him before, suggesting WICKED’s continued involvement. Its arrival aligns with the countdown on Thomas’s watch, hinting at a planned extraction or test. For the group, this could mean escape from the storm but also possible captivity or further trials, leaving their fate uncertain.4. How does the chapter portray the theme of trust among the characters? Provide examples.
Answer:
Trust is a recurring theme, as the characters rely on each other to survive. Thomas trusts his friends to find their own shelter, prioritizing immediate safety over organizing everyone. Brenda and Jorge’s inclusion in the pod shows Thomas’s willingness to protect even those he’s wary of. Conversely, Brenda’s sarcastic remark about being abandoned reveals underlying tensions. The group’s collective effort to reopen the pod—despite risks—underscores their mutual dependence. These interactions highlight both the strength and fragility of trust in high-stakes scenarios.5. Why might the author choose to end the chapter with a cliffhanger involving the Berg? What effect does this have on the reader?
Answer:
The cliffhanger builds suspense and anticipation, compelling readers to continue the story. By cutting off mid-sentence as Thomas checks his watch, the author amplifies tension, leaving the Berg’s purpose and the group’s reaction unresolved. This technique mirrors the characters’ uncertainty and keeps readers engaged, questioning whether the Berg signifies salvation or another threat. The abrupt ending also reinforces the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the Scorch, maintaining the novel’s fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere.
Quotes
1. “The lightning exploded all around him with deafening cracks of thunder; plumes of dirt flew into the air from every direction. Several people screamed—one was cut off abruptly, a girl. And that burning smell. Overwhelming.”
This opening quote vividly sets the chaotic and life-threatening atmosphere of the scene, emphasizing the sudden violence of the storm and the immediate danger faced by Thomas and his group. It captures the sensory overload and urgency that permeates the chapter.
2. “We have to find shelter! he said in her mind. How much time do we have left? Thomas squinted at his watch closely. Ten minutes.”
This exchange between Thomas and Teresa highlights their telepathic connection and the critical time pressure they face. It represents the recurring theme of survival against impossible odds and the need for quick decision-making in dire circumstances.
3. “Thought you might’ve had second thoughts about bringing us along. Would’ve been a good chance to get rid of us. Please, Thomas muttered. He was too tired to care how it sounded.”
This tense interaction between Brenda and Thomas reveals underlying trust issues within the group, even in life-or-death situations. It shows the psychological strain they’re under and Thomas’s growing exhaustion with constant survival challenges.
4. “This isn’t quite what I imagined, hermano. Thought we’d show up here and you’d convince the big bosses to take us in. Give us that cure. Didn’t think we’d be holed up in a stinking bathtub waiting to be electrocuted.”
Jorge’s bitter remark encapsulates the gap between expectations and harsh reality that the characters face. It underscores the theme of dashed hopes and the brutal unpredictability of their world.
5. “Thomas leaned on the edge of the pod and gaped at what hovered in the air just thirty feet off the ground, lowering rapidly to land. It was huge and round, with flickering lights and burning thrusters of blue flame. It was the same ship that had saved him after he was shot. The Berg.”
This climactic description of the Berg’s arrival represents a potential turning point in the narrative, mixing hope with uncertainty. The dramatic reveal leaves readers wondering whether this is salvation or another threat, perfectly capturing the chapter’s tension-filled conclusion.