The Maze Runner is a post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction novel for young adults, written by James Dashner. This text strategically approaches symbolism to denote the contrast between civilization and savagery and how people can lose humanity when order fails. The "Gladers" all have an eternal search for order, but are forced to resort to their primal and wild nature due to the stressful and dangerous environment, the labyrinth, in which they reside. The circumstances of this dystopian world symbolize how humans succumb to their more animalistic characters when dehumanized. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Dashner constructed characters like Alby to use fear for control, to signify the descent into savagery among the boys in the maze. The dark, systematic barbarism of the Glade is vaguely hidden by order and stability. Although the laws and orders of the Glade were enacted as an attempt to prevent violence and rebellion, cruel and excessively violent punishments seemed to be a necessity that came with the peace. The leader of the Gladers, Alby, maintains order with fear, often making death threats to the boys, telling them that "if you are not afraid, then you are not human." Ben's banishment was clear evidence that fear was being used in the Glade to control the Gladers. The extreme ferocity of this action and the fact that all the boys enjoyed watching Ben's exile suggest that the Glade is inhuman and brutal, but is hidden by a false security and order. Most Gladers believe that exile as punishment is necessary, because "all (they) care about is survival." They believe that "the order is why (they) put Ben out", as "they can't very well leave crazy people running around trying to kill people". Thomas, the "Greenie", feels guilt for Ben when he witnesses Ben's torturous treatment, highlighting how the Glade is governed by savage laws. Feeling that this is neither benevolent nor virtuous, Thomas is able to see that the Glade's orders are centered on the need for survival. It falls into this theme of expressing ferocity by the creators, as they chose orphans as lab rats for a horrible experiment for what they believe are good intentions. Presented by the actions of the Gladers, Dashner successfully shows that catastrophic events can push humans to resort to their most primitive and savage instincts. Dashner presents the labyrinth as a symbol of order versus chaos among the Gladers. Serving the purpose of confusing and obscuring, the labyrinth is "a dangerous place" for Gladers. The impossibility of mapping and solving the maze increases as its walls shift and shift each night. Routine and order in the otherwise chaotic and unforgiving labyrinth are observable by how the doors close at the same time, every night. Representative of futility and complete chaos for the Gladers are the Grievers, monsters without ethics or emotions, who haunt the labyrinth every night. As the only one who sees the labyrinth as an obstacle between the Gladers and the world they have forgotten but long to find, Thomas discovers that the labyrinth is a symbol of chaos. Thomas is able to show the other Gladers how to take advantage of the apparent order within the labyrinth that only he could see. Everyone else spends "every loving second of every loving day" in "honor of the maze, trying to solve something that's not shown (they) have a bloody solution", but Thomas recognizes the patterns within the maze And.