The Scorch Trials
Chapter 62
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 62 of *The Scorch Trials*, Thomas and his companions face a critical moment aboard the Berg. Brenda is dragged toward the hatch by a stranger, seemingly destined for death, but Thomas intervenes, tackling the man and seizing his gun. With the weapon pointed at the stranger, Thomas declares an end to the brutal tests, refusing to let anyone else die. The tension escalates as the cargo door closes, trapping them in a standoff, but the stranger, now identified as David, surprisingly concedes, stating the trials are over and promising safety.
David attempts to reassure the group, claiming their ordeal was part of a larger plan and that they will soon understand its purpose. He promises no more tests or lies, offering them a cure and safety upon arrival at their destination. However, Thomas and Minho remain skeptical, having heard empty promises before. Thomas demands an end to the games, while Minho vows to fight back at the first sign of betrayal. David’s calm demeanor and cryptic remarks only deepen their distrust.
Despite their skepticism, the group is left with little choice but to follow David’s lead. He invites them to eat, rest, and prepare for the long flight ahead, emphasizing that their cooperation is now voluntary. The Gladers exchange uncertain glances, weighing their options, but ultimately, they comply, recognizing their lack of alternatives. David’s confidence and the group’s exhaustion leave them no room for resistance, even as they brace for potential deception.
The chapter ends with a mix of reluctant acceptance and unresolved tension. While David insists the worst is over, Thomas and his friends remain wary, their trust shattered by past betrayals. The promise of answers and safety looms, but the group’s determination to fight back if necessary underscores their hardened resolve. As they follow David, the chapter leaves readers questioning whether this is truly the end of their trials or merely another layer of the maze they’ve been trapped in.
FAQs
1. How does Thomas demonstrate his leadership and resolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Thomas shows decisive leadership by tackling the stranger (David) to save Brenda, disarming him, and taking control of the situation with the gun. His declaration—”No one else dies… The tests are over”—reflects his resolve to end the cycle of manipulation and violence. Despite his shock at his own actions, Thomas stands firm, refusing to be treated “like rats” anymore. His calm confrontation with David and insistence on “no more games” further underscores his growth as a leader who prioritizes the safety and autonomy of his group over blind compliance.2. What is the significance of David’s statement, “Everything has gone and will continue to go as planned”?
Answer:
David’s remark reveals the unsettling truth that the Gladers’ rebellion and defiance were anticipated by their captors. This implies that the Trials are part of a larger, orchestrated experiment where even resistance is a measured variable. His promise of safety and understanding (“you’ll hear why we’ve put you through this”) suggests a manipulative narrative yet to unfold, reinforcing the theme of control. The statement also casts doubt on whether the group’s “victory” is genuine or merely another phase of testing.3. Analyze the group’s reaction to David’s promises. How does their skepticism reflect their experiences?
Answer:
The Gladers’ skepticism—Minho’s dismissal of David’s words as “klunk,” Thomas’s demand for “no more games,” and Newt’s wary questioning—stems from repeated betrayals and psychological trauma. Their collective hesitation to follow David, despite having “no other option,” highlights deep distrust. Minho’s threat to fight (“If that means we die, so be it”) encapsulates their hardened resolve to reject empty assurances. This mirrors their journey: every prior “promise” of safety (e.g., the Maze’s escape) led to more suffering, making their wariness a survival mechanism.4. How does the chapter’s closing dialogue (“It’s a very long flight”) create tension for the reader?
Answer:
The phrase underscores the uncertainty of the Gladers’ fate. While David frames the flight as a reprieve (food, showers, sleep), the subtext—a “long flight” to an unknown destination—hints at unresolved threats. The group’s reluctant compliance (“exchanging glances” before following) amplifies unease, as readers question whether “headquarters” will truly offer safety or another layer of deception. The open-endedness leaves room for dread, as the Berg’s journey symbolizes transition into yet another controlled environment, despite David’s claims of freedom.5. Evaluate David’s demeanor during the confrontation. What might his calmness and smiles suggest about WICKED’s methods?
Answer:
David’s calmness—smiling, hands in pockets, conceding the gun—suggests a calculated performance designed to de-escalate tension while maintaining control. His demeanor implies that WICKED anticipates and manipulates emotional responses, turning defiance into compliance through psychological tactics (e.g., promising “just to listen”). The smile at Minho’s threat (“that’s exactly what we predicted”) reveals WICKED’s reliance on behavioral predictability, treating the Gladers’ reactions as data points. This chilling detachment reinforces the organization’s view of the subjects as pawns in an experiment, not individuals.
Quotes
1. “No one else dies. If we haven’t done enough to pass your stupid tests, then we fail. The tests are over.”
This quote marks Thomas’s defiant stand against the cruel experiments, representing a turning point where the Gladers refuse to be passive subjects anymore. It captures the chapter’s theme of rebellion against their manipulators.
2. “What you don’t understand is that everything has gone and will continue to go as planned. But you’re right, the Trials are complete.”
David’s chilling response reveals the sinister nature of WICKED’s operations, showing how even rebellion was anticipated and incorporated into their plans. This underscores the dystopian control theme.
3. “When you hear why we’ve put you through this, and why it’s so important that so many of you survived, you’ll understand. I promise you’ll understand.”
This ominous promise introduces the central mystery of the series, teasing the justification for the horrors inflicted on the characters while maintaining suspense about WICKED’s true motives.
4. “First sign of trouble, we start fighting. If that means we die, then so be it.”
Minho’s declaration shows the group’s unified resolve and willingness to die rather than submit, demonstrating their transformation from test subjects to determined rebels against their oppressors.
5. “You know, that’s exactly what we predicted you’d do at this point.”
David’s smug response to their rebellion is particularly unsettling, revealing the depth of WICKED’s psychological manipulation and the characters’ ongoing struggle for genuine agency in their fate.