The Maze Runner Study Guide
“The Maze Runner” is the first of a series of dystopian books written by James Dasher in 2009. Despite being so young in age, the novel’s plot has become so popular that it was turned into a movie and is now one of the most popular books among young people around the world.
The protagonist of the book, Thomas, wakes up to find himself in a metal box without any recollections of his past. He is met by other children, in particular the leaders of the group, Alby and Newt. They introduce him to Glade – an abstract place surrounded by high concrete walls that move at night.
Behind those moving walls is a labyrinths full of evil monsters called Grievers. If the monster bites one of the gladers, a painful process begins, along with which a temporarily memory return happens. Despite the ongoing struggle with the outside world, boys manage to distribute labor and organize their everyday lives.
What unites these kids? Who is sending them all these supplies that come once a week in an elevator? The reader will get close to finding it out when the elevator with the first ever girl arrives, also containing a note that no more provisions or children will be coming.
Despite being a dystopia, the book greatly dwells upon such concept as friendships. The warm relationship between Thomas and Chuck form a real bond that lasts till the very end of the story. Combined with notions of persistence, dedication and sad acceptance of the death, “The Maze Runner” makes for a very unique dystopia genre.
A mixture of supernatural powers, mystique creatures, cryptic hints, fight for survival and feelings of isolation certainly resonates with buzzing teenager’s mind. The book is a fascinating read and it’s hard to put it down once the first page is turned. Check it out and let yourself be absorbed by the mystery of this novel!
Author: Cody Owens
New Essays
Still confused, and with the large group of boys staring at him, Thomas assesses his surroundings. He notes that “they stood in a vast courtyard several times the size of a football field, surrounding by four large walls made of gray stone and covered in spots with thick ivy” (5). He also notes...
A boy finds himself in a dark metal elevator with the sounds of chains and pulleys around him. The smell of burnt oil, combined with the motion of the elevator, nauseates him. He has no recollection of how he came to be in the elevator, but knows that his name is Thomas. In fact, his name is the...
The Maze Runner is a young adult novel set in a post-apocalyptic world. The story begins in a dark metal elevator, where a teenage boy awakens with no real memories other than the fact that his name is Thomas. When the elevator stops and the doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by teenage...
“If you ain't scared… you ain't human.” — Page 45 — “You are the hucksterism shuck faced shuck in the world!” — — “Shouldn't someone give a pep talk or something?" Minho asked, pulling Thomas's attention away from Alby."Go ahead," Newt replied.Minho nodded and faced the crowd. "Be careful," he...