Previous
Chapter 13
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 wraps the collar around Ben’s neck. Ben pleads that he only tried to kill Thomas because the Changing made him crazy. Alby pays no attention and, in a ceremonial and authoritative voice, decrees that Ben will be banished. The ten Keepers of the Glade all grab hold of the pole at the opposite end of the collar.
Crying and pleading for help, Ben looks around the crowd hoping to inspire someone to intervene. Thomas’ guilt makes him hide behind a larger boy so Ben won’t see him. As the Door begins to close, the Keepers use the pole to thrust Ben inside the Maze. In the last moment before the door closes, Thomas sees Ben screaming and crying. Thomas says that Ben’s fear and desperation has made him look barely human. The door closes and Thomas feels hot tears running down his face.
Since Ben’s banishment is not actually justice, it appears more like a ritual sacrifice. All the Keepers must participate and all the Gladers must watch. The Gladers sacrifice Ben under the false pretenses of justice because they want to feel like they are preserving order and authority, which makes them feel safe despite living near the Maze.
Themes
