The Maze Runner Research Paper

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The Maze Runner
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. In the Maze Runner, a society of males with ranging ages are trapped inside of a maze-like structure, and are forced to find a way to survive and live under an unknown authority. One universal theme used in The Maze Runner, is characterization. Characterization is used to help build a bond and a sense of emotion towards certain characters.
One character that Dashner introduces in the beginning of the movie is Gally. Gally is a young boy, approximately nineteen years old, who has been trapped in the maze for three years. His role in the society is to run. Being a runner is one of the more masculine jobs in the society they live in. His job is to find a way out of the maze and find freedom for everyone who is trapped inside. Gally is viewed as a bully or a strong, built-tough figure. Gally’s and Thomas’ relationship is not a positive one. Gally envies Thomas because he believes that everything Thomas has done has hurt the way his society lives. At one point in the movie Gally says, “Things are changing. There is no denying that. First Ben
Thomas is only in the maze for a few days before major changes start happening. Thomas is also a runner; he is viewed by many, as their only hope of escaping. He is brave and sacrifices his life to save others. Thomas is not afraid of the pressure; his main focus is to find the way out. Even though Gally has a strong dislike for Thomas, Thomas often tries to help Gally along the way. For example in the movie, Thomas says,” You don't have to come with us, but we are leaving. Anyone else who wants to come, now is your last chance!” (Thomas, The Maze Runner.) This shows that even though Gally has tried to hurt and even kill Thomas, Thomas is still trying to help

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