―Oh, yeah?‖ Winston asked. ―Who?‖ Thomas folded his arms. ―Me‖ Dashner, 2009:314.
All of the Gladers think that Thomas‘ decision of sacrifice himself to enter the Grievers hole is a stupid idea. As a normal people, it is common that nobody
wants to put himself or herself into a dangerous situation especially enter the Griever hole. However, Thomas shows different thing in this story.
But it didn‘t matter what Newt said. What anyone said. Thomas bore the responsibility anyway
—and it was growing heavier the more he thought about it. ―I just … feel like I need to save everyone. To redeem myself‖
Dashner, 2007: 316.
Thomas feels that it is his fault because he helps the Creator design the Maze, so that he is willing to enter to Grievers Hole. He wants to save everybody and exit
the Maze so that they could return to their family. All of quotations above show his selfless characteristic because he is
willing to risk his life, so that all of the Gladers could exit the Maze safely. He does not care about his own safety.
B. The Conflicts Faced by Thomas
In this part, the writer finds the conflicts happens by the main character, Thomas. Then, the writer also describes each conflict in details.
1. Thomas’ Internal Conflict
Internal conflict based on Stanton in An Introduction to Fiction is defined as kind of conflict which identified by term Man vs. Himself. It takes place inside
the character, meaning that he or she is arguing with himself or herself. He spends the entire day arguing with himself about what to do before something finally
happens that forces him to make decision 1992:16. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Thomas‘s internal conflict happened when he faces a dilemma in the beginning of the story. He struggles to decide whether he must save his friends or
just stay inside the Glade. He sees Alby and Minho are turning back into the Glade, but they do not have chance of making in time to turn back to the Glade.
He knows that he should help them, but it is forbidden for him to enter the Maze in order to save them.
Thomas was so stunned by the turn of the events, it took a moment for him to act. ―Newt‖ he finally screamed, forcing his gaze away from Minho
and Alby to face the other direction. ―They‘re coming I can see ‗em‖ He knew he should run into the Maze and help, but the rule about not leaving
the Glade was seared into his mind Dashner, 2009: 111.
The situation makes Thomas‘ mind struggles greatly. As a selfless person, the first thought which comes up through his mind is that he should help his
friends without worrying about the consequence. Thomas wants to help them even though he does not know them very well because he is a newcomer in the Glade.
However, his mind struggles greatly because his heart really wants to help them, but he also thinks about the rule of the Glade. As a newcomer, it is really hard for
Thomas to make those decisions. It is really dangerous if he dares to risk his life to enter the Maze. Thomas gambles too much with his decision to enter the Maze,
because he does not have any strong plan to save his friends. Another reason why he holds his urge to help Alby and Minho is because
Newt says that everybody must not enter the Maze no matter what happens. It is because everybody already swore an oath to not enter the Maze except the person
who was already chosen by a Keeper. Newt‘s face softened. ―You don‘t get it yet, Tommy. Going out there at
night is beggin‘ for death. We‘d just be throwin‘ more lives away. If those shanks don‘t make it back…‖ He paused, seeming hesitant to say what
everyone was thinking. ―Both of ‗em swore an oath, just like I did. Like
we all did. You, too, when you go to your first Gathering and get chosen by a Keeper. Never go out at night. No matter what. Never‖ Dashner,
2009: 110.
It seems that Newt‘s statement makes Thomas really scared about going to the Maze at night. Then, Chuck also emphasizes that what Newt said is true. It can be
seen from the quotation below. ―Newt won‘t say it,‖ the boy said, ―so I will. If they‘re not back, it means
they‘re dead. Minho‘s too smart to get lost. Impossible. They‘re dead‖ Dashner, 2009:110.
By hearing the statement which is said by Newt and Chuck makes the situation
become so grave. Thomas does not know how to react and he feels a pit of emptiness in his heart. Newt and Chuck always remind Thomas that it is
forbidden for him to enter the Maze and it affects Thomas to think twice to help Alby and Minho. However, his selfless and brave characteristics lead him to
decide to save Alby and Minho. Therefore, Thomas‘ bravery and selfless characteristics are important in order to make decision.
Then, it can be said that Thomas‘ internal conflict happens when he struggles with his own mind to make a choice between two paths. The conflict
happens because he struggles to make decision whether he should obey the rule or fight his fear of the rule about not leaving the Glade, so that he can enter the Maze
to help Alby and Minho. The situation forces Thomas to make decision, and in the end he makes the decision to enter the Maze to save Alby and Minho.
2. Thomas’ External Conflict
