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Chapter 12
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Maze Runner, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Memory and Identity
Stability and Order vs. Change and Chaos
Sacrifice
Growing Up
Hope
Sexism
Summary
Analysis
Alby seems surprised to learn that Minho had found a dead Griever in the Maze. They agree to haul the Griever back to the Glade tomorrow. Alby then turns to Thomas and asks again if he’s holding any information back. Thomas reiterates that he is not withholding any information and asks why Alby is so suspicious of him and hates him so much. Alby says it’s not about hate or love or friendship, but just about survival. Alby makes Thomas promise that he’ll come to him if he remembers anything. Alby then turns and goes back toward the Glade.
The value Alby places on survival explains how he so casually killed Ben despite helping him get through the Changing the day before. Alby will help the boys through their hardships not out of kindness or friendship, but out of a need to keep as many boys healthy and alive as possible. But, if they break the rules or cause disorder, he has no problem punishing or even killing them.
Themes
Thomas goes into the graveyard area to find a quiet place to think. He is interrupted by Chuck, who tells him that Ben didn’t die from the arrow wound and that the Keepers have gathered and decided to banish Ben for attacking Thomas. When Thomas asks what banishment means, Chuck just smiles and runs off.
Chuck’s smile reveals a darker side to his personality: he’s looking forward to Ben’s banishment. His excitement comes from the widespread belief in the Glade that discipline maintains order. Chuck has so embraced the value of discipline that he perversely takes pleasure out of knowing that Alby will punish Ben.
Themes
At dusk before the walls close, Alby assembles everyone at the East Door. A couple of Gladers drag a crying Ben to the Door and Newt brings out a giant pole with a collar at one end. Seeing the punishment begin to unfold, Thomas feels a sense of guilt for his role in Ben’s banishment.
Thomas’ guilt shows that he recognizes the injustice of banishing a teenaged boy. For Thomas, this cruel kind of discipline does not seem worth the price of maintaining order.
Themes
