In my opinion the major universal theme in this book is survival because the Gladers are tested to see if they can survive the harsh conditions of the Scorch. The novel is trying to inform people that in life you have to work hard for your goals, in this case the cure to a disease called the Flare. (“Thomas went for it. “If you...help us...I mean, if you, or maybe just a few or you, go with us and help us make it the safe haven…” “Yeah” “Then maybe you’ll be safe, too…” And this is what Thomas had planned all along-had been building toward-the hope strung out by the Rat Man. “They told us we have the Flare. And that if we make it to the safe haven, we’ll all be cured. They said they have a …show more content…
This certain setting affects the characters and plot greatly. The Scorch is a barren-wasteland that was abandoned after the sun flares ravaged the Earth. Not only is it searingly hot, but when the Flare broke out, all the infected ‘Cranks’ were banished to a small town there, in an attempt to keep the rest of the world healthy. The heat, animal-like Cranks, and horrendous obstacles, set by Wicked, make the Scorch a living nightmare. (“”Aw man!” Minho said, a wince on his face. “Something’s wrong, dude. It feels like it’s already burning my skin!” “He’s right,” Newt said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know if we can go out there. We might have to wait until the sun goes down.”” page 86). (“Tears welled up in Thomas’ eyes, or maybe it was sweat trickling down from his forehead. But it stung. And he felt like the air had heated up to a million degrees. His muscles tensed; lances of pain shot through his legs. They were cramping.” page 88). (“Thomas sucked in huge gasps of air; every inch of his body felt drenched with sweat.” Page