The exit from the Box and entrance into the Glade can be seen as a birth of sorts, or a rebirth. Even the language the Gladers use is something newcomers have to learn. Using specific examples of Thomas’s experience, discuss how the concept of birth, as well as the concept of “growing up,” plays out in his character arc.

Order and stability are recurring themes in the novel. Discuss the importance of order and stability in the novel, giving examples of order in practice, as well as examples of what happens when order appears to break down.

Chuck, Alby and Gally all sacrifice themselves in the novel, though for different reasons. Describe each sacrifice, and then compare characters and why they sacrificed themselves.