Universal themes are apparent across time, culture, and place, which are evident in all stories. For example, The Maze Runner, by James Dashner exposes universal themes in a dystopian science fiction society. The Maze Runner portrays universal storytelling elements by emphasizing heroic scenarios, having likable characters, causing a narrative transport, and social cohesion.
The Maze Runner portrays universal themes through heroic scenarios. Thomas the main character puts heroic scenarios to the extreme when he runs into the moving maze to save the leader Alby. Only a true hero or a maze runner is capable of doing this, Thomas happens to be one of them. Thomas was also the first to kill a Griever. As Thomas and another maze runner Minho had to stay the night in the maze, they had to fight for their lives. No one has ever stayed the night in the maze and survived. However,
…show more content…
Every story has likable characters in order to make things more interesting. For instance Alby expresses the leader role. He is always helping out and tries to take charge. For readers who can relate, it makes him that much more likable. Likable characters tend to be ones you can relate with or ones you look up too. Alby has been in the this “new world” the longest; three years. Alby says everyone there is terrified. “If you aint scared,” Alby said, “you aint human. Act any different and I’d throw you off the Cliff because it’d mean you’re a psycho”(The Maze Runner). This quote is important because they are all scared, even if they won’t admit it. Thomas too as a likable character. His curiosity and concerns make him likable. He was the newest member to the new world and had the most interest. His fearful mindset makes him likable when he goes into the maze to save Alby. Thomas was also determined to find a way out, and that is what people enjoy. A person who has a set goal and puts their life in risk in order to accomplish