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 their humanity when order fails. The "Gladers" all have an eternal quest for order, but are forced to resort to their primitive 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 will succumb to their more animalistic traits when dehumanized. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Dashner constructed characters such as Alby to use fear for control, to signify the descent into savagery among the boys in the maze. The dark, systemic barbarism of the Glade is vaguely masked by order and stability. Although the laws and orders of the Glade were developed to try to prevent violence and rebellions, cruel and overly violent punishments seemed to be a necessity that accompanied peace. The leader of the Gladers, Alby, maintains order with fear, often threatening the boys with death, telling them that "if you're not afraid, then you're not human." Ben's banishment was clear evidence that fear was being used within the Glade to control Gladers. The extreme savagery of this action and the fact that the boys all enjoyed watching Ben's banishment suggest that the Glade is inhumane and brutal, but that it is concealed by false security and order. Most Gladers believe that banishment as a punishment is necessary, because "all they care about is surviving." They believe that "order is why (they) kicked Ben out" because they "can't very well have weirdos running around trying to kill people." Thomas, the "Green", feels a sense of guilt towards Ben when he witnesses the torture treatment inflicted on him, emphasizing how much of the Glade is governed by savage laws. Sensing that this is neither benevolent nor virtuous, Thomas is able to see that the Glade's orders are focused on the need to survive. The creators fall under this theme of expressing savagery, as they chose orphans as lab rats for a horrific experiment for what they believe to be good intentions. Presented through the actions of the Gladers, Dashner successfully shows that cataclysmic events can cause humans to resort to their most primitive and wild instincts. Dashner presents the maze as a symbol of order versus chaos among the Gladers. Exploiting the purpose of confusing and obscuring, the maze is "a dangerous place" for the Gladers. The inability to map and solve the maze increases as its walls shift and shift each night. The routine and order in this otherwise chaotic and unforgiving maze is observable by the way the doors close at the same time, every night. The Grievers, monsters with no ethics or emotions, who haunt the maze every night are figurative of the futility and complete chaos for the Gladers. Being the only one to see the maze as an obstacle between the Gladers and the world they have forgotten but long awaited, Thomas learns that the maze is a symbol of chaos. Thomas is able to show the other Gladers how to benefit from the apparent order in the maze that only he could see. Everyone spends "every second.