The Maze Runner

Identity & Memory: Thomas arrives in the Glade with no recollection of his past. How does this memory loss impact his sense of self? Do you believe our identities are shaped by our memories, or is there something more profound at play?

Community & Rules: The Gladers have established a functioning society with strict rules within the Maze. Why do you think having structure and rules is crucial for their survival? What occurs when those rules are put to the test — and is that challenge ever warranted?

Leadership & Trust: Several characters vie for power and influence in the Glade. What traits make someone a good leader during a crisis? How does trust form — or erode — among the boys?

Courage vs. Recklessness: Thomas often defies the rules and takes risks others see as reckless. Where do you think the line is drawn between courage and recklessness? Is it possible for an action to embody both qualities?

Us vs. Them: The Gladers initially view Thomas with suspicion simply because he is new and different. How does fear of the unknown fuel conflict in the story? Can you relate this to real-world situations?

Hope & Survival: The Maze appears unsolvable for years until Thomas arrives. What part does hope play in motivating the Gladers? Is hope always beneficial, or can it also lead to negative consequences?

Ethics of Experimentation: WICKED asserts that everything they do is "for the greater good." Do you think sacrificing individuals can be justified for the greater benefit of humanity? Where should we draw the ethical line?

Identity & Memory: When Thomas arrives in the Glade, he has no recollection of his past. How does this memory loss impact his sense of identity? What insights does the novel offer regarding the connection between memory and our individuality?

Leadership & Community: The Gladers have established their own society complete with rules, roles, and a hierarchy. What keeps their community functioning, and what poses a threat to it? How does Thomas's arrival change or reinforce the group dynamic?

Conformity vs. Curiosity: The Gladers adhere to a strict rule: never enter the Maze. Yet Thomas feels an immediate urge to defy this rule. What does his curiosity say about human nature? Are there situations where breaking the rules is justified — and if so, what are those situations?

Trust & Survival: In the novel, characters must decide whom to trust in life-or-death situations. How do Thomas and the other Gladers determine who can be trusted? What role does trust play in their chances of survival?

Power & Control: WICKED designed the Maze as part of an experiment. What does the novel imply about the ethics of using people — even for a supposedly greater good — without their awareness or consent? Who has power in this narrative, and how is that power exercised?

Hope & Despair: While many Gladers have lost hope of escaping the Maze, others like Thomas and Minho continue to push ahead. What keeps hope alive even in the face of overwhelming odds? What does the novel suggest is the price of losing hope?