The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 37
Overview
With the Doors no longer closing, Alby orders Teresa jailed, blaming her for the catastrophic changes. Thomas argues she and he were sent as keys to ending the trial. The Gladers hastily fortify the Homestead, plan to endure the night, and postpone decisions until morning.
Thomas and Teresa reaffirm their connection as telepathic allies. As preparations end, Grievers’ moans rise from the Maze, beginning a perilous night that forces the Gladers toward decisive action.
Summary
With the sky unchanged and the Doors no longer closing, Alby summarily orders Teresa locked in the Slammer, blaming her for the crisis she admitted triggering. Thomas protests, but Newt backs the decision for now. Newt instructs the guards to protect Teresa from harm as she is led away, and Thomas and Teresa briefly share telepathic contact.
Under Keeper direction, the Gladers erupt into frantic preparation. Builders jam makeshift barricades into the open Doorways, while others gather flashlights, food, and tools for a mass stay in the Homestead. Minho arms the group with knives and barbed clubs. Thomas helps until Minho sends him away on a separate task, increasing Thomas’s sense of isolation.
Thomas corners Newt to argue that Teresa is not the cause but a catalyst: the Maze and the etched phrase about the Killzone suggest an experiment designed to end, and the recent changes force them to solve it. Newt remains wary but concedes Teresa can stay locked up for one night, agreeing they may need to push deeper into the Maze, even while the walls move, and consider blocking the Griever Hole.
Before lockdown, Thomas visits Teresa at the Slammer. They discuss staying out longer to decipher the code, and Teresa asks to be released, but Thomas says Newt agreed to reconsider tomorrow. Teresa admits patchy memories and jokes grimly about safety, while their bond strengthens through both spoken words and telepathy.
As the last Gladers file into the Homestead, Newt shuts the door. From the Maze, the first Griever moans echo across the Glade, signaling the start of a dangerous night that will test their defenses and force the group toward bolder action.
Who Appears
- ThomasDefends Teresa, argues the Maze is an experiment with an intended end, and urges riskier exploration.
- NewtSecond-in-command; organizes defenses, protects Teresa from harm, and cautiously accepts Thomas’s plan to push further.
- TeresaImprisoned after triggering the Ending; communicates telepathically with Thomas and supports solving the Maze code.
- AlbyLeader who blames Teresa and orders her jailed; demands the Homestead become a fortress.
- MinhoRunner who arms the Gladers and undertakes a special task as defenses are prepared.
- BillyGuard who escorts Teresa to the Slammer under Newt’s protective orders.
- JacksonGuard who helps imprison Teresa and is told to protect her with his life.
- FrypanMoves food stores to the Homestead for a potential siege.
- GallyMissing Builder leader; his absence forces others to manage barricades.