Can memory be erased, but instinct remain?
James Dashner’s thrilling dystopia, The Maze Runner, plunges readers into the Glade, a strange prison where survival depends on rules, loyalty, and deciphering an ever-changing labyrinth.
When Thomas arrives with no memory beyond his name, he joins a community of boys trapped by towering walls and stalked by monstrous Grievers.
Driven by an inexplicable urge to become a Runner—those who map the Maze—Thomas challenges the status quo, forcing the Gladers to confront the terrifying secrets of their world and the organization that put them there: WICKED.
Unravel the core themes of survival, identity, courage, friendship, and the chilling nature of control through these 50 quotes from The Maze Runner. Each quote is presented with its speaker and verified page number, accompanied by insightful analysis exploring its significance within the narrative.
Welcome to the Glade: Survival & Rules
Thomas’s arrival plunges him into a harsh reality defined by confinement, unexplained rules, and the constant threat lurking beyond the Glade’s walls. Survival hinges on adapting quickly and respecting the established order, no matter how strange or terrifying it seems.
“He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas, Chapter 1, Page 1)
This stark opening line immediately establishes the disorientation and isolation that define Thomas’s entrance into the Glade, setting a tone of confinement and mystery from the outset.
“If you ain’t scared… you ain’t human.”
(Speaker: Alby, Chapter 2, Page 9)
Alby’s blunt assessment validates Thomas’s fear as a natural human response to their perilous situation, while subtly hinting at the dangers that make such fear necessary for survival within the Glade.
“Get your runtcheeks down those stairs, right now”
(Speaker: Alby, Chapter 3, Page 20)
This harsh command from Alby exemplifies the tough, authoritative leadership style necessary to maintain control and enforce rules among the Gladers, prioritizing order over politeness.
“A loud boom exploded the air, making Thomas jump. It was followed by a horrible crunching, grinding sound. He stumbled backward, fell to the ground…The enormous stone wall to the right of them seemed to defy every known law of physics as it slid along the ground… On all four sides of the Glade, the right walls were moving toward the left, closing the gap of the Doors. Then one final boom rumbled across the Glade as all four Doors sealed shut for the night.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s perspective, Chapter 4, Pages 27-28)
This vivid description captures the terrifying, unnatural reality of the Glade’s environment, emphasizing the mechanical finality of the closing Doors and the Gladers’ nightly imprisonment within the dangerous Maze.
“Be thankful for these walls.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 6, Page 39)
Newt’s stark advice underscores the paradoxical nature of the Glade: while the walls imprison them, they also offer crucial protection from the horrors of the Maze, demanding gratitude for their confinement.
“You get lazy, you get sad. Start givin’ up. Plain and simple.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 11, Page 77)
Newt articulates a core principle of survival within the Glade’s harsh environment: consistent work and contribution are essential not just for community function, but for maintaining individual morale and warding off despair.
“Order,” Newt continued. “Order. You say that bloody word over and over in your shuck head. Reason we’re all sane around here is ’cause we work our butts off and mantain order. Order’s the reason we put Ben out–can’t have loonies runnin’ around tryin’ to kill people, now can we? Order. Last thing we need is you screwin’ that up.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 15, Page 102)
Newt passionately defends the absolute necessity of strict rules and order within the Glade, framing it as the cornerstone of their collective sanity and survival against the chaos of the Maze and internal threats.
Beyond the strict order of the Glade looms the ever-present terror of the Maze and the creatures within, a constant source of fear and unanswered questions.
The Maze & The Grievers: Fear & Mystery
Beyond the Glade’s perceived safety lies the terrifying, ever-shifting Maze and its monstrous inhabitants, the Grievers. The mystery of their purpose and the constant danger they represent instill fear and drive the desperate search for answers and escape.
“Thomas swallowed, wondering how he could ever go out there. His desire to become a Runner had taken a major blow. But he had to do it. Somehow he KNEW he had to do it. It was such an odd thing to feel, especially after what he’d just seen…”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 6, Page 39)
Despite witnessing the horror of a Griever, Thomas feels an inexplicable, almost pre-programmed compulsion to become a Runner, hinting at a deeper connection to the Maze beyond conscious understanding.
“‘It’s kind of hard to ask a dead guy what he did wrong.’”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 22, Page 140)
Minho’s grimly pragmatic statement underscores the fatal consequences of failure within the Maze and the difficulty the Gladers face in learning from past mistakes when survival is the only teacher.
“Avoiding other people was his new goal in life.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 28, Page 178)
After the traumatic events and confusing accusations, Thomas’s desire for isolation reflects his overwhelming need to process the horrors and mysteries of the Glade and Maze without further conflict or scrutiny.
“Can’t take a chance that one day, in one spot, somewhere, an exit might appear. We can’t give up. Ever.”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 32, Page 208)
Minho articulates the relentless, hope-fueled duty of the Runners: despite years of failure, the possibility of discovering an escape, however slim, necessitates their continued exploration and perseverance against despair.
“‘Maybe you should just push that button’”
(Speaker: Chuck, Chapter 57, Page 346)
Chuck’s innocent, almost random observation proves unexpectedly crucial, highlighting how sometimes the simplest perspective can unlock a solution overlooked by those mired in complex, desperate efforts.
“Such a display of death – how could it be considered a victory?”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 58, Page 348)
Thomas grapples with the brutal cost of their escape, questioning the nature of victory when achieved through immense loss, reflecting the moral ambiguity inherent in their struggle for survival.
“I rely … mostly on memory,” the Keeper huffed, his voice finally showing a hint of strain. “But about every fifth turn, I write something down to help me later. Mostly just related to stuff from yesterday—what’s different today. Then I can use yesterday’s Map to make today’s. Easy-peasy, dude.”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 33, Page 211)
Minho explains the Runners’ meticulous but mentally taxing process of mapping the Maze, relying heavily on memory supplemented by minimal notes to track the daily changes, highlighting the difficulty of their crucial task.
“It started much like his first memory of the Box—dark and cold. But this time he had no sensation of anything touching his feet or body. He floated in emptiness, stared into a void of black. He saw nothing, heard nothing, smelled nothing. It was as if someone had stolen his five senses, leaving him in a vacuum.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas during the Changing, Chapter 47, Page 301)
This passage depicts the terrifying sensory deprivation and loss of self experienced during the Changing, emphasizing the unnatural and invasive process forced upon those stung by Grievers.
“A line of icy cold shot across Thomas’s skin as he entered the Griever Hole… The world went even darker around him as his feet thumped to a landing on a slippery surface… He fell backward into Teresa’s arms.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas, Chapter 57, Page 341)
Entering the Griever Hole represents a literal and metaphorical plunge into the unknown; the physical sensations underscore the danger and disorientation of leaving the perceived structure of the Maze for the Creators’ hidden realm.
“‘They’re just waiting for us!’”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 55, Page 334)
Minho’s terrified realization upon seeing the Grievers amassed at the Cliff highlights the calculated, almost intelligent nature of the threat, suggesting a trap laid by the Creators.
Stripped of their pasts, the Gladers struggle not only with external threats but with the internal mystery of their own identities and the fragmented memories unlocked by the traumatic Changing.
Identity, Memory & The Changing
The Gladers grapple with their erased pasts, struggling to define themselves in a world without memories. The painful process called the Changing, triggered by a Griever sting, offers fragmented glimpses of their former lives and the mysterious organization known as WICKED.
“Thomas swallowed, wondering how he could ever go out there. His desire to become a Runner had taken a major blow. But he had to do it. Somehow he KNEW he had to do it. It was such an odd thing to feel, especially after what he’d just seen…”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 6, Page 39)
This quote captures the conflict between Thomas’s rational fear and an inexplicable, deep-seated instinct driving him towards the dangerous role of a Runner, hinting at a connection to the Maze rooted deeper than his wiped memories.
“Thoughts of the girl crashed around his mind, made him remember the connection he felt. A sadness washed over him, as if he missed her, wanted to see her. That doesn’t make sense, he thought. I don’t even know her name.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 15, Page 97)
Thomas experiences residual emotion and a sense of connection to Teresa despite having no conscious memory of her, highlighting the frustrating and perplexing nature of their selective amnesia.
“Everything crushed in on me at once. Sure made me feel better- don’t feel bad about crying. Ever.”
(Speaker: Thomas, Chapter 30, Page 193)
Thomas acknowledges the cathartic release found in expressing overwhelming emotion, suggesting that vulnerability, even amidst hardship, is a necessary part of processing trauma and maintaining humanity.
“Thomas hated the people who’d taken this poor, innocent kid form his family. He hated them with a passion he didn’t know a human could feel. He wanted them dead, tortured, even. He wanted Chuck to be happy. But happiness had been ripped form their lives. Love had been ripped from their lives.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 30, Page 194)
Thomas’s intense rage and empathy for Chuck reveal his developing moral compass and strong sense of justice, defining his character not by memory but by his reaction to the injustice inflicted upon others.
“Thomas had a depressing – and scary – thought. ‘Am I . . . replacing someone? Did somebody get killed?’ Minho shook his head. ‘No, we’re just training you – someone’ll want a break. Don’t worry, it’s been a while since a Runner was killed.’ For some reason that last statement worried Thomas, though he hoped it didn’t show on his face.”
(Dialogue & Narration: Thomas and Minho, Chapter 32, Page 207)
This exchange highlights Thomas’s growing awareness of the lethal stakes involved in being a Runner, juxtaposing Minho’s casual reassurance with Thomas’s intuitive fear, hinting at the constant underlying danger.
“Wonder why we can do this,’ he called out with his mind. The mental effort of speaking to her was already straining—he felt a headache forming like a bulge in his brain. ‘Maybe we were lovers,’ Teresa said. Thomas tripped and crashed to the ground. Smiling sheepishly at Minho, who’d turned to look without slowing, Thomas got back up and caught up to him. ‘What?’ he finally asked. He sensed a laugh from her, a watery image full of color.”
(Dialogue & Narration: Thomas and Teresa, Chapter 44, Page 283)
This interaction showcases the disorienting nature of their telepathic connection and Teresa’s unsettlingly casual reference to a past relationship, deepening the mystery of their shared history before the Maze.
“WICKED is good”
(Written on Teresa’s arm, seen by Thomas, Chapter 36, Page 237; referenced Chapter 44, Page 284)
This cryptic phrase, introduced through Teresa, becomes a central, paradoxical clue hinting at the potential motivations or ideology of the Creators, suggesting a twisted justification behind their cruel experiment.
“All the same, Thomas now had a plan. As bad as it was, he had a plan. They needed more clues about the code. They needed MEMORIES. So he was going to get stung by a Griever. Go through the Changing. On purpose.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 45, Page 291)
Thomas’s desperate, dangerous decision underscores his commitment to finding answers and escape, willing to endure the agonizing Changing specifically to reclaim lost memories crucial for understanding their predicament.
“I just…feel like I need to save everyone. To redeem myself.”
(Speaker: Thomas, Chapter 52, Page 316)
Thomas articulates a driving motivation rooted in guilt and responsibility, suggesting his recovered memories (however fragmented) connect him personally to the Gladers’ plight and compel him towards self-sacrifice.
“But there was something about the largest object in the solar system vanishing that tended to disrupt normal schedules.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 61, Page 368)
This dryly ironic observation highlights the absurdity of the Gladers’ situation, where even the impossible disappearance of the sun becomes just another disruption to their strangely normalized, dystopian routine.
Yet, amidst the confusion and terror, unlikely bonds form, demanding loyalty and forcing gut-wrenching sacrifices that define the Gladers’ shared humanity.
Friendship, Loyalty & Sacrifice
In the harsh environment of the Glade, bonds of friendship and loyalty become crucial lifelines. Characters demonstrate profound courage and selflessness, highlighting the sacrifices made for the survival of the group and the weight of responsibility felt for one another.
“Good that.”
(Speaker: Alby, Chapter 2, Page 10 [first appearance])
This simple, recurring affirmation from Alby signifies agreement and order within the group, becoming a verbal staple of the Gladers’ unique social structure and Alby’s leadership.
“He couldn’t leave a friend to die. Even someone as cranky as Alby.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 18, Page 120)
Despite Alby’s often harsh treatment, Thomas’s core morality and emerging loyalty compel him to risk his life, establishing friendship and shared humanity as values stronger than fear or resentment.
“You’re disgusting when you eat,” Chuck said, sitting on the bench next to him. “It’s like watching a starving pig eat his own klunk.”
(Speaker: Chuck, Chapter 23, Page 147)
Chuck’s blunt, slightly gross humor, even amidst their bleak situation, serves to build camaraderie and offer a moment of normalcy, solidifying his role as Thomas’s relatable, down-to-earth friend.
“Zart the fart, you start.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 24, Page 153)
Newt’s playful, rhyming nickname for Zart during the serious Gathering injects a moment of levity and reveals the established, almost brotherly dynamics and inside jokes within the Glader community.
“Quit voting me down before you even think about what I’m saying.”
(Speaker: Gally, Chapter 24, Page 158)
Gally’s frustrated outburst highlights the tension and differing perspectives within the Council, but also his desperate desire to be heard and have his concerns (however antagonistic) considered by the group.
“Thats called hypocrisy, you shuck face piece of -!”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 25, Page 160)
Minho fiercely calls out Gally’s hypocrisy in condemning Thomas for breaking a rule Gally himself broke (implied by Gally having gone through the Changing), defending Thomas and emphasizing fairness within the group’s judgment.
“I didn’t do anyting wrong. All I know is I saw two people struggling to get inside these walls and they [Minho and Alby] couldn’t make it. To ignore that because of some stupid rule seemed selfish, cowardly, and… well, stupid. If you want to throw me in jail for trying to save someone’s [Alby] life, then go ahead. Next time I promise I’ll point at them and laugh, then go eat some of Frypan’s dinner.”
(Speaker: Thomas, Chapter 26, Page 166)
Thomas passionately defends his actions, prioritizing human life and loyalty over blind rule-following, framing his decision as morally necessary despite the potential consequences imposed by the Glader hierarchy.
“Good try, ya buggin’ shank. The Gathering elects Runners, and if you think I’m tough, they’d laugh in your face.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 15, Page 101)
Newt dismisses Thomas’s attempt to bypass the established process for becoming a Runner, reinforcing the Glade’s hierarchical structure and the collective decision-making power of the Keepers’ Gathering.
“Thomas turned to see Newt there, smiling. That grin sent a wave of reassurance through Thomas, as if he were finding out the world was okay again.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s perspective, Chapter 29, Page 189)
Newt’s simple smile holds significant weight for Thomas as a powerful symbol of stability, friendship, and reassurance amidst the chaos and despair, demonstrating the importance of their bond.
“Thomas hated the people who’d taken this poor, innocent kid form his family… He wanted Chuck to be happy. But happiness had been ripped form their lives. Love had been ripped from their lives.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 30, Page 194)
This intense surge of protective empathy for Chuck reveals the depth of Thomas’s developing friendship and underscores the profound injustice and loss inflicted upon the Gladers by their unseen captors.
“Minho snickered and leaned back in his chair. “Man, you are one butt-load of sunshine, let me tell you.”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 51, Page 312)
Minho’s sarcastic remark to Alby, who is despairing, uses dark humor typical of their relationship to challenge Alby’s negativity and implicitly urge him towards a more proactive, hopeful stance, characteristic of Glader resilience.
“Shouldn’t someone give a pep talk or something?’ Minho asked… “Go ahead,” Newt replied. Minho nodded and faced the crowd. ‘Be careful,’ he said dryly. ‘Don’t die.’ Thomas would have laughed if he could, but he was too scared for it to come out. ‘Great. We’re all bloody inspired,’ Newt answered.”
(Dialogue & Narration: Minho, Newt, and Thomas, Chapter 54, Pages 327-28)
This exchange captures the Gladers’ grim humor and practicality in the face of extreme danger; Minho’s blunt “pep talk” and Newt’s sarcastic response reflect their hardened reality while still signifying a shared commitment to facing the peril together.
The Gladers’ journey is a constant battle between the crushing weight of despair and the stubborn resilience of hope, fueled by the desperate need to understand their confinement and escape the unknown.
Hope, Despair & The Unknown
The Gladers constantly oscillate between hope for escape and despair at their seemingly impossible situation. The unknown nature of the Maze, the Creators, and their pasts fuels both their drive to find answers and their moments of profound hopelessness.
“Thomas shuddered at the thought. “After what we just went through, I think I can imagine.””
(Speaker: Thomas, Chapter 22, Page 141)
Responding to Minho’s comment about the horrible ways other Gladers died in the Maze, Thomas acknowledges the grim reality he now understands, his brief exposure validating the group’s underlying fear and despair.
“You scared of that pip-squeak? Dude, you got a lot to learn. Freakin’ Newbies.”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 12, Page 81)
Minho’s dismissive comment towards Thomas reflects the hardened, sometimes cynical attitude adopted by veteran Gladers, contrasting sharply with the fear and uncertainty felt by newcomers facing the unknown.
“‘You’re disgusting when you eat,’ Chuck said, sitting on the bench next to him. ‘It’s like watching a starving pig eat his own klunk.’”
(Speaker: Chuck, Chapter 23, Page 147)
Amidst the pervasive tension and despair, Chuck’s childlike observation injects a moment of unexpected, albeit gross, humor, highlighting the resilience of youthful normalcy even in their bleak circumstances.
“Minho looked at Thomas. “I nominate this shank to replace me as Keeper of the Runners.”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 24, Page 158)
Minho’s surprising nomination offers Thomas a sudden, powerful surge of purpose and potential hope, directly challenging the despair and confusion Thomas felt during the contentious Gathering.
“If we’re gonna die, let’s do it freakin’ fighting!”
(Speaker: Minho, Chapter 51, Page 312)
Minho’s defiant declaration encapsulates the Gladers’ shift from passive hope to active resistance, choosing to face certain danger with courage rather than succumbing entirely to despair.
“Great. We’re all bloody inspired,” Newt answered, then pointed over his shoulder, towards the Maze.”
(Speaker: Newt, Chapter 54, Page 328)
Newt’s sarcastic response to Minho’s minimalist “pep talk” reveals the dark, pragmatic humor born of shared trauma and desperation, acknowledging the grim reality while still committing to action.
“Tonight, they’d make their stand, once and for all.”
(Speaker: Narrator describing Thomas’s thoughts, Chapter 54, Page 328)
This thought captures the culmination of the Gladers’ struggle, framing their desperate charge into the Maze not just as an escape attempt, but as a definitive, final confrontation against their hopeless situation.
“Ah, my Knight in Shining Armor. What, you don’t think I can fend for myself?”
(Speaker: Teresa in Thomas’s mind, Chapter 55, Page 329)
Teresa’s telepathic teasing, even amidst the terror of the impending battle, injects a moment of personal connection and lightens the overwhelming despair, reminding Thomas of their unique bond.
“I promised him!” he screamed, realizing even as he did so that his voice was laced with something wrong. Almost insanity. “I promised I’d save him, take him home! I promised him!”
(Speaker: Thomas about Chuck, Chapter 59, Page 358)
Thomas’s grief-stricken cry encapsulates the devastating collision of hope and despair; the promise made in hope is shattered by the finality of Chuck’s death, pushing Thomas toward the brink of sanity.
“I promised him!”…Thomas hugged Chuck to his chest, squeezed him as tightly as possible…Thomas cried, wept like he’d never wept before. His great, racking sobs echoed through the chamber like the sounds of tortured pain.”
(Speaker: Thomas & Narration, Chapter 59, Page 358)
This raw display of grief underscores the immense emotional toll of their ordeal; the broken promise and Chuck’s sacrifice represent the ultimate failure of hope against the cruelty of their manufactured world.
Caught between the crushing weight of the unknown and the flickering embers of hope fueled by friendship and defiance, the Gladers navigate a landscape defined by fear, loss, and the relentless question of what lies beyond the Maze.
Conclusion: Escaping the Maze Within
These 50 quotes capture the harrowing essence of The Maze Runner, charting the Gladers’ journey through fear, confusion, fragile hope, and brutal sacrifice.
From the initial shock of the Glade to the terrifying reality of the Grievers and the fragmented whispers of a forgotten past, Thomas and his companions grapple with imposed rules, shifting loyalties, and the desperate need to find meaning and escape.
Dashner masterfully uses their ordeal to explore enduring themes of survival, the burden of memory, the strength found in friendship, and the terrifying potential of unchecked power.
Their fight against the Maze becomes a fight for their humanity, reminding us that even in the darkest labyrinths, the drive to understand and break free persists. Read more book quotes in our Literary Analysis category page.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
Just as the Gladers sought patterns in the changing Maze, these page numbers reference a specific configuration: the Delacorte Press 2010 paperback reprint edition of The Maze Runner by James Dashner, ISBN-13: 978-0385737951. Beware of shifting walls—page numbers can change between editions! Always check your copy to ensure the evidence leads you correctly.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.