Universal Themes In The Maze Runner

Universal themes are prevalent in all types of writing written since the beginning of time across every culture. Universal themes are just that – universal to all people. These themes are inherently built into the human mind, so to speak, as everyone thinks about them and independently uses them in writing. Universal themes can be found in the “The Maze Runner”, a dystopian movie directed by Wes Ball. This movie depicts a scenario in which an organization called WCKD subjects a group of teenagers to a dangerous maze in an attempt to test their survival capabilities. Universal themes advance the plot of the movie and push the story along. Such themes that exist in “The Maze Runner” are heroic scenarios, likeable characters, interesting ways to tell a story, and social cohesion. A theme of heroic scenarios can be found in the story of “The Maze Runner”. An example of a heroic scenario from this story is how Thomas daringly enters the maze

The character of Thomas is a likeable character. He goes from being called “Greeny” and essentially being the “new guy” of the Glade to being the leader in a very small amount of time. Through his actions and his attempts to find a way through the maze, Thomas gains support of characters within the story as well as the audience watching the movie. Thomas is curious and explores his curiosity. He is also a natural leader. This is proven when he goes into the maze and says, “You don't have to come with us, but we are leaving. Anyone else who wants to come, now is your last chance!” (“The Maze Runner”). Thomas says this to Gally, who is one of the only characters who does not support Thomas. Thomas’s confrontation of Gally shows that he is a leader. Because he is a leader, he influences others to follow him into the maze, advancing the plot. Thomas’s likability advances the story as it allows him to gain support from the other characters and the