The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Thomas spends the day in the Gardens learning Glade jobs while worry grows over Alby and Minho, who are overdue from investigating the dead Griever. As night falls, panic rises and the Doors begin to close. Minho appears, dragging an unconscious Alby, but they cannot make it in time. In a decisive break from the rules, Thomas sprints into the Maze as the Doors slam shut, trapping him inside overnight.
Summary
Thomas works under Zart in the Gardens, weeding, pruning, and planting. While laboring, Thomas questions Zart about Glade jobs and learns more about Keepers and roles like Sloppers, Track-hoes, and Baggers. The routine contrasts with Thomas’s strong desire to become a Runner and his persistent thoughts of the comatose girl.
At break, Thomas notices Newt’s uncharacteristic distress. Newt reveals the girl mutters strangely and is deteriorating, then admits Alby and Minho, who went to inspect the dead Griever, are hours overdue. The Runners return without them, and Newt refuses to send a search party, citing the absolute rule against entering the Maze at night.
As dinner turns somber, Thomas joins Newt at the West Door, pressing again to mount a rescue. Newt, terrified of the Maze and bound by the oath, refuses. Chuck grimly concludes that if Alby and Minho aren’t back by nightfall, they’re dead.
When the Doors begin to close, Minho appears, dragging an unconscious Alby but still far from safety. Newt hobbles toward them, unable to reach in time. With seconds left, Thomas watches Minho stumble and realizes they won’t make it.
Despite Newt’s shouted warning, Thomas decides he has no choice. He slips through the narrowing gap, entering the Maze just as the Doors slam shut, trapping Thomas inside with Minho and Alby for the night.
Who Appears
- ThomasWorks in the Gardens, learns job roles, worries about missing Runners, and ultimately breaks rules to enter the Maze.
- NewtLeads and worries over Alby and Minho; refuses a night rescue due to strict rules and fear of the Maze.
- MinhoReturns at dusk, exhausted, dragging an unconscious Alby toward the Door but cannot make it in time.
- AlbyFound unconscious in the Maze; Minho attempts to bring him back before the Doors close.
- ZartKeeper of the Gardens; trains Thomas and explains various Glade jobs.
- ChuckStays by Thomas, voices the grim likelihood of Alby and Minho’s deaths.
- FrypanProvides a hearty dinner that contrasts with the Gladers’ grim mood.
- WinstonEats with Thomas and Chuck during the tense dinner.