The Maze Runner Research Paper

Arinze Okerulu

Ms. Poole

ENG2D1-05

Thursday June 8 2023

Whispering Walls and Paths of Illusion A maze is defined as a network of paths and hedges designed as a puzzle through which one has to find a way. Mazes are often symbols of challenge, survival, and discovery. In James Dashner’s novel, The Maze Runner, The maze’s symbolism is highlighted through different characters and events. The constant changing and shifting of the maze, as well as the copious amounts of trials the characters undergo, represent their lack of control over their situation and the WICKED’s authority over their lives. Thomas, the main character, encounters and overcomes his fear of the monsters in the maze during his first runner experience. This marks a pivotal moment

This significant event serves as a turning point in his personal growth, emphasizing the concept that the maze exerts control over its inhabitants, compelling them to evolve in their sense of self. Thomas’ encounter with the griever ultimately changed his character, “Thomas stared in horror at the monstrous thing making its way down the long corridor of the Maze. [...] Thomas wondered what—or who—could create such frightening, disgusting creatures [...] This is my life, he thought, living in a giant maze, surrounded by hideous beasts'' (Golding 126-149). Thomas' initial experience as a runner within the maze had a profound impact on his personal growth. The relentless chaos, immense stress, and daunting challenges faced by both Minho and Thomas vividly demonstrate how the maze compels its inhabitants to evolve and mature. During Thomas' first run, he demonstrated remarkable courage and resourcefulness by rescuing Alby from the grievers, ultimately averting potential tragedy. This selfless act of risking his own life to save someone he had just met exemplifies another significant aspect of Thomas' character development, which is influenced by the inherently malevolent nature of the maze. Moreover, Thomas and the others residing in the glade, as well as the runners who venture into the maze, are all under the manipulative control of the organization known as WICKED. Not

As the characters navigate the maze, they confront the presence of an unseen power manipulating their lives. Simultaneously, the maze acts as a catalyst, forcing them to confront their inner struggles and delve deep within themselves to uncover their true identities. Through this dual representation, the novel combines the themes of authority, control, and self-discovery, showcasing the intricate relationship between external forces and internal growth. The ever-shifting nature of the maze, coupled with the numerous trials the characters endure, serves as a powerful symbol of their profound lack of control over their circumstances and the pervasive authority that WICKED exerts over their lives. The boys find themselves captured by the WICKED in an enigmatic realm they struggle to comprehend. Every element of their existence, from the confusing nightly transformation of the maze walls to every facet of their surroundings, becomes a means for the WICKED to manipulate and disorient them, heightening their sense of confusion and helplessness. During Thomas' first runner experience, he confronts and conquers his terror of the mazes monsters. This pivotal event signifies a significant milestone in his personal growth, underscoring the notion that the characters are at the