The messages revaled through Thomas` conflict in James Dashner`s The Maze Runner.

ABSTRACT

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN, The Message Revealed Through Thomas’ Conflict in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2017.

The object of this study is a novel entitled The Maze Runner which is written by James Dashner that tells about a group of people who lose their memories except their names and inhabited the Maze. Every day, they must run through the Maze outside the Glade, a place where they live.

The purposes of this study are first, identify the main character, Thomas; second, identify the conflicts faced by Thomas; and third, showing the messages as revealed through the conflicts faced by Thomas.

The writer uses New Criticism as the approach of the study to analyze this novel. The writer also conducts some study about character and characterization, conflicts, and message. Then, the writer applied the theories from those books into the analysis to answer the problem formulations. Therefore, it can be said that the method which is used in this study is library research.

The writer can reveal several possible messages from the conflicts faced by the main character, Thomas. Thomas has four characteristics; they are curious, smart, brave, and selfless. Then, those characteristics lead Thomas to survive from the Grievers and find a way out from the Maze. Thomas’ conflicts are divided into two, internal and external conflicts. The internal conflict happens when Thomas faces dilemma, whether he should help his friends or just stay inside the Glade. Then, the writer divides the external conflicts into three conflicts. First, when Thomas fights against the Grievers in order to survive inside the Maze. Second, when Thomas and Alby have different opinion about their survival chance in the Maze. Third, the conflict happens when Thomas’ attitude annoys all of Gladers and when he tries to persuade all of Gladers to follow him to find a way out the Maze. The message that are revealed through the conflict of Thomas are: never giving up with the difficult situations, daring to take a risk for our goal, and sacrificing for something we want to achieve.

ABSTRAK

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN, The Message Revealed Through Thomas’ Conflict in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2017.

Objek dari studi ini adalah salah sebuah novel dari James Dashner berjudul The Maze Runner yang menceritakan tentang sekelompok orang yang hilang ingatan kecuali nama mereka dan lingkungan di sekitar Maze. Setiap hari, mereka harus berlari untuk melewati Maze yang terletak diluar Glade, tempat mereka tinggal.

Tujuan dari studi ini adalah satu, menjelaskan karakter utama, Thomas; kedua, menjelaskan tentang konflik yang dihadapi oleh Thomas; dan ketiga, menunjukkan pesan yang terungkap lewat konflik yang dihadapi oleh Thomas.

Penulis menggunakan New Criticism sebagai pendekatan untuk menganalisa novel ini. Penulis juga melakukan beberapa studi tentang karakter dan karakterisasi, konflik, dan pesan. Kemudian, penulisan mengaplikasikan teori tersebut ke dalam analisis demi menjawab rumusan masalah. Oleh karena itu, bisa dikatakan bahwa metode yang digunakan di studi ini adalah studi pustaka.

Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa novel ini dapat mengungkapkan beberapa pesan dari konflik-konflik yang dihadapi oleh karakter, Thomas. Thomas memiliki empat karakteristik, yaitu ingin tahu, pintar, berani, dan tidak mementingkan diri sendiri. Kemudian, karakteristik tersebut menyebabkan Thomas bisa bertahan hidup dari Grievers dan menemukan jalan keluar dari Maze. Konflik yang dimiliki Thomas dibagi menjadi dua, internal dan eksternal konflik. Konflik internal yang terjadi adalah ketika Thomas mengalami dilemma, apakah dia akan menolong temannya atau tetap tinggal di dalam Glade. Kemudian, penulis membagi konflik eksternal menjadi tiga konflik. Pertama, ketika Thomas bertarung melawan Grievers demi bertahan hidup di dalam Maze. Kedua, ketika Thomas dan Alby memiliki pendapat yang berbeda tentang kesempatan bertahan hidup mereka. Ketiga, konflik terjadi ketika sikap Thomas yang mengganggu para Glader dan ketika dia mencoba meyakinkan para Glader untuk mengikuti dia demi menemukan jalan keluar dari Maze. Pesan yang terungkap dari konflik yang dimiliki Thomas adalah: jangan menyerah dengan situasi yang sulit, berani dalam mengambil resiko untuk mencapai tujuan kita, dan berkorbanlah untuk sesuatu yang ingin kita raih.

THE ME

SSAGES REVEALED THROUGH THOMAS’

CONFLICT IN JAMES DASHNER’S

THE MAZE RUNNER

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN Student Number: 124214103

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA 2017

ii

THE ME

SSAGES REVEALED THROUGH THOMAS’

CONFLICT IN JAMES DASHNER’S

THE MAZE RUNNER

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN Student Number: 124214103

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA 2017

iii

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY

I certify that this undergraduate thesis contains no material which has been previously submitted for the award of any other degree at any university, and that, to the best of my knowledge, this undergraduate thesis contains no material previously written by any other person except where due reference is made in the text of the undergraduate thesis

Yogyakarta, February 5, 2017

v

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY

I certify that this undergraduate thesis contains no material which has been previously submitted for the award of any other degree at any university, and that, to the best of my knowledge, this undergraduate thesis contains no material previously written by any other person except where due reference is made in the text of the undergraduate thesis

Yogyakarta, February 5, 2017

vi

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARTA ILMIAH UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS

Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma Nama : Dwigo Biyas Tarigan

Nomor Mahasiswa : 124214103

Dengan pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul

THE MESSAGES REVEALED THROUGH THOMAS’

CONFLICT IN JAMES DASHNER’S THE MAZE RUNNER

beserta perangkat yang diperlukan (bila ada). Dengan demikian saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma hak untuk menyimpan, mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain, mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data, mendistribusikan secara terbatas, dan meminta ijin kepada saya maupun memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama saya sebagai penulis.

Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya.

Dibuat di Yogyakarta

Pada tanggal 5 Februari 2017

Yang menyatakan,

ix

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I would like to say thank to Jesus Christ for everything You have given to me. I know that sometimes I forget to pray and questioned my faith, but thank for loving me, unconditionally and giving me another day to start over again.

My sincere gratitude goes to my lecturer, Ni Luh Putu Rosiandani, S.S., M.Hum and E. Arti Wulandari, Ph.D., who support and advise me throughout the writing process of my undergraduate thesis with their patience, knowledge, and critical mind.

Furthermore, I would like to thank my parents for always encourages me to finish my thesis. I thank my dearest girlfriend, Gisela for always being by my side through my hardest time. Then, I would say thank you to my parents J.A Tarigan and Yenny I.S.P, who always support me every time. I also dedicate this research to all my friends in the English Department, especially Amos, Antony, Alex, Arum, Asmara, Baped, Deni, Dennis, Dida, Diony, Dryan, Ega, Endo, Gatot, Halim, Ikhsan, Iqbal, Ino, Kaka, Kevin John, Lolo, Niko, Nopek, Nopen, Odie, Penyik, Putra, Ranjang, Rany, Satrio, Satya, Shuko, Toto, Vito, Wisnu, and Mother of Kopma for their spirit, support, motivation and endless friendship.

x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ... ii

APPROVAL PAGE ... iii

ACCEPTANCE PAGE ... iv

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH .... v

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ... vi

MOTTO PAGE ... vii

DEDICATION PAGE ... viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS ... x

ABSTRACT ... xi

ABSTRAK ... xii

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ... 1

A. Background of the Study ... 4

B. Problem Formulation ... 4

C. Objectives of the Study ... 4

D. Definition of Terms ... 4

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF LITERATURE A. Review of Related Studies ... 6

B. Review of Related Theories ... 8

C. Theoretical Framework ... 12

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY A. Object of the Study ... 13

B. Approach of the Study ... 14

C. Method of the Study ... 15

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS A. The Characteristics of Thomas ... 17

B. The Conflicts Faced by Thomas ... 26

C. The Message as Revealed through the Thomas‘ Conflicts ... 36

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ... 43

xi

ABSTRACT

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN, The Message Revealed Through Thomas’

Conflict in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2017.

The object of this study is a novel entitled The Maze Runner which is written by James Dashner that tells about a group of people who lose their memories except their names and inhabited the Maze. Every day, they must run through the Maze outside the Glade, a place where they live.

The purposes of this study are first, identify the main character, Thomas; second, identify the conflicts faced by Thomas; and third, showing the messages as revealed through the conflicts faced by Thomas.

The writer uses New Criticism as the approach of the study to analyze this novel. The writer also conducts some study about character and characterization, conflicts, and message. Then, the writer applied the theories from those books into the analysis to answer the problem formulations. Therefore, it can be said that the method which is used in this study is library research.

The writer can reveal several possible messages from the conflicts faced by the main character, Thomas. Thomas has four characteristics; they are curious, smart, brave, and selfless. Then, those characteristics lead Thomas to survive from the Grievers and find a way out from the Maze. Thomas‘ conflicts are divided into two, internal and external conflicts. The internal conflict happens when Thomas faces dilemma, whether he should help his friends or just stay inside the Glade. Then, the writer divides the external conflicts into three conflicts. First, when Thomas fights against the Grievers in order to survive inside the Maze. Second, when Thomas and Alby have different opinion about their survival chance in the Maze. Third, the conflict happens when Thomas‘ attitude annoys all of Gladers and when he tries to persuade all of Gladers to follow him to find a way out the Maze. The message that are revealed through the conflict of Thomas are: never giving up with the difficult situations, daring to take a risk for our goal, and sacrificing for something we want to achieve.

xii ABSTRAK

DWIGO BIYAS TARIGAN, The Message Revealed Through Thomas’

Conflict in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2017.

Objek dari studi ini adalah salah sebuah novel dari James Dashner berjudul The Maze Runner yang menceritakan tentang sekelompok orang yang hilang ingatan kecuali nama mereka dan lingkungan di sekitar Maze. Setiap hari, mereka harus berlari untuk melewati Maze yang terletak diluar Glade, tempat mereka tinggal.

Tujuan dari studi ini adalah satu, menjelaskan karakter utama, Thomas; kedua, menjelaskan tentang konflik yang dihadapi oleh Thomas; dan ketiga, menunjukkan pesan yang terungkap lewat konflik yang dihadapi oleh Thomas.

Penulis menggunakan New Criticism sebagai pendekatan untuk menganalisa novel ini. Penulis juga melakukan beberapa studi tentang karakter dan karakterisasi, konflik, dan pesan. Kemudian, penulisan mengaplikasikan teori tersebut ke dalam analisis demi menjawab rumusan masalah. Oleh karena itu, bisa dikatakan bahwa metode yang digunakan di studi ini adalah studi pustaka.

Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa novel ini dapat mengungkapkan beberapa pesan dari konflik-konflik yang dihadapi oleh karakter, Thomas. Thomas memiliki empat karakteristik, yaitu ingin tahu, pintar, berani, dan tidak mementingkan diri sendiri. Kemudian, karakteristik tersebut menyebabkan Thomas bisa bertahan hidup dari Grievers dan menemukan jalan keluar dari Maze. Konflik yang dimiliki Thomas dibagi menjadi dua, internal dan eksternal konflik. Konflik internal yang terjadi adalah ketika Thomas mengalami dilemma, apakah dia akan menolong temannya atau tetap tinggal di dalam Glade. Kemudian, penulis membagi konflik eksternal menjadi tiga konflik. Pertama, ketika Thomas bertarung melawan Grievers demi bertahan hidup di dalam Maze. Kedua, ketika Thomas dan Alby memiliki pendapat yang berbeda tentang kesempatan bertahan hidup mereka. Ketiga, konflik terjadi ketika sikap Thomas yang mengganggu para Glader dan ketika dia mencoba meyakinkan para Glader untuk mengikuti dia demi menemukan jalan keluar dari Maze. Pesan yang terungkap dari konflik yang dimiliki Thomas adalah: jangan menyerah dengan situasi yang sulit, berani dalam mengambil resiko untuk mencapai tujuan kita, dan berkorbanlah untuk sesuatu yang ingin kita raih.

1 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Literature is a medium to express the imagination of human beings through a work that can be appreciated by public in general. Most of authors express their experiences, feelings and imaginations by making a literary work. They can express those aspects and share it in literary works such as novel, prose, poem, and song lyrics.

Sometimes, the literary work represents the reality of humans in their daily

lives. Wellek and Warren‘s Theory of Literature also said that literature is about

human‘s reflection about their feeling towards their life.

Literature is the reflection of human feeling toward his life. It is closely related to human experience through which we can learn the image of human beings that is expressed in the written way. It can also be defined as the work of arts which represents human life (1956: 94).

This statement emphasizes that literature does not only has the function as a

medium to express human‘s life, but literature also can give a reflection or introspection about human‘s life in order to have better life. Therefore, hopefully humans can learn their mistakes and learn a lesson from it.

Another statement that is similar with the quotation above can be seen in Marlies L. Danziger and W. Stacy Johnson in An Introduction to Literary Criticism which states

Perhaps the oldest and most venerable way of describing literature as an art is to regard it as a form of imitation. This defines literature in relation to life, seeing it as a way of reproducing or recreating the experiences of life in outline and color. (1961: 8)

It can be concluded from the statement above that there is a connection between literature and real life. Literature and life have a close connection because literature is the medium between life and work of art which is illustrated through words or text.

From both quotations above, we can conclude that literature is not only becoming a medium to express humans‘ experiences, feelings, and imaginations but also becoming a bridge for humans‘ life. Then, literature can give a lesson, reflection, moral value, etc in order to make them realize or aware of their life, so that they can be prepared and anticipate every single thing which will happen in the real life.

The Maze Runner is a great example of modern fiction novel that contains several moral messages. Then, with message contained in the literary work, the reader can enjoy reading the literary work and getting a better understanding which author tries to give to the reader. Message also can make the readers prepare their steps and also motivate them in order to face and also solve their problems. The reason why the writer chooses The Maze Runner as the object of this study is because he novel not only entertains the reader through word by word or plot, but also it gives several moral messages which can become reflection to the reader.

The Maze Runner tells about some people who live in a place called Glade. The novel tells about the struggle of the people who live in the Glade. They try to find out the reason why they are in the Glade because when they come to the Glade, all of the characters lose all of their memories. However, the only thing that they can remember is just their names.

This story also has some conflicts experienced by the main character whose name is Thomas and also the other characters. Most of their conflicts are happening when they have to make a decision whether they want to stay in the Glade or to leave the Glade and to solve the Maze in order to find out the way home. The rising of conflict starts when Thomas arrives in the Glade. Since Thomas arrives in the Glade, he persuades all of people in the Glade to think twice that they would stay safe in the Glade or try to solve the Maze outside the Glade. It is because Thomas thinks that there must be a reason why all of them are being sent in to the Glade and there must be a person behind all of this.

From the conflict in the story, there are several messages that the reader can get and learn. Those become the reason why the writer chooses this novel as

the object of this paper because the messages of the story are reflecting human‘s

life. There are a lot of messages which are very suitable with this modern era even though it is not the reality but just the author‘s imagination. This study will focus

on the messages which are revealed through Thomas‘ conflicts. Therefore, the reader can get the messages which the author tries to give in this novel.

B. Problem Formulation

1. How is Thomas described in this story? 2. What are the conflicts faced by Thomas?

3. What are the messages revealed through Thomas' conflict in the story? C. Objectives of the Study

The first objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of Thomas in the story. The second objective is to find out the conflicts which are faced by Thomas from the beginning until the end of story. The third objective is to find out the messages which revealed through the conflicts faced by Thomas in Maze Runner story.

D. Definition of Terms

In order to avoid ambiguity and misunderstanding about the meaning of the terms, the writer uses the following definitions to help the reader to understand this study.

1. Character

Characters are the persons represented in a dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the reader as being endowed with particular moral, intellectual, and emotional qualities by inferences from what the persons say and their distinctive ways of saying it and from what they do (Abrams, 1999: 32).

2. Conflicts

According to Holman and Harmon in their book A Handbook to Literature, conflict is

The struggle that grows out of the interplay of the two opposing forces in the plot. Conflict may be an argument between opposing forces, like man against man, nature, fate, society or perhaps the internal one between the

3. Messages

Messages, according to Beaty and Hunter in New Worlds of Literature, is defined as the real meaning or some easy conclusion that can be simply stated or summarized inside a work of art (1989: 899).

6

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A. Review of Related Studies

In this study, the writer summarizes some papers which are related to this study. The first study is The Messages as Revealed by the Characters’ Series of

Tragedy in Lemony Snicket’s a Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

written by Natasha Godeliva (2011) from Sanata Dharma University. She explains that

It is important for any works of literature, especially novel to communicate the messages that are intended by the author, so that the reader can understand what is intended and gain some good points and better perspective in their life. (Godeliva, 2011: 17).

In Godeliva‘s undergraduate thesis, she has three purposes in writing her thesis.

First, she wants to find the children‘s characters and characterizations. Second, she wants to describe the tragedy which happens in the story. Third, she wants to know the moral message which is revealed by the characters.

It is the same with this study which also wants to find the messages of the

story. However, the difference of this study to Godeliva‘s is that this study is more

focusing on theory of conflict in order to find out the message inside of the story. The writer also found another thesis from Sanata Dharma University entitled The Messages Revealed Through Hasari Pal and His Conflicts in

Dominique Lapierre’s the City of Joy by Agustinus Damar Priyanugraha. He

Message in a story is intended as suggestion related to practical lesson that can be taken by the readers through the story. They are closely related to the problems in life, such as attitude, and behavior. The readers can find them in a real life, in the same manners as they are reflected on the story through its characters. (Priyanugraha, 2013: 13)

Another explanation from him is that

The message is distributed through those various ways. By contrast, if the readers want to understand or interpret the message, they should do it

based on the story and the character‘s life. (Priyanugraha, 2013:13)

The previous study has similarities with this study which discusses about messages. Priyanugraha also wants to find out the messages of the story from

Hasari Pal‘s characterization and also his conflict. Even though the approaches of

the studies are the same, it differs with this study because this study uses The Maze Runner as the object of the study.

The other thesis is from Chintia Arlita Eka Wijaya entitiled The Messages Revealed Through the Way the Main Characters Solve the Conflicts in Anne

Schraff’s Lost and Found

Message in literary work can be taken from the way the main character solve the conflicts. Message can be taken when the readers interpret the conflicts in the story. (Wijaya, 2015:21)

The study above also has similarities with this study which also discusses about messages. Wijaya wants to find out the message through the way main characters solve the conflicts. Then, the message can be revealed when all of their conflicts have been solved.

However, it is different with this study because this study does not concern on whether Thomas solves his conflicts or not, but on the way he develops his mind when he faces his conflicts are the messages that the writer wants to express.

B. Review of Related Theories

1. Theory of Character and Characterization

According to Abrams‘ A Glossary of Literary Terms

Characters are the persons characterized in a story, who are interpreted by the reader as being gifted with specific moral, intellectual, and emotional qualities by inferences from characters‘ conversation and their distinctive ways of saying it and from what they do (Abrams, 1999:32).

In order to have a clear explanation in the analysis, the writer provides the details about characterization theory by M.J Murphy in his book Understanding the Unseen (1972:161-173).

a. Personal description

The author can describe a character‘s appearance like the face, body, or

the outfits of the character. The personal description is very important because each character has specific appearance in the novel or play.

b. Character as seen by another

The author can describe a character through another person‘s eyes and opinions. What people in the story think about certain people will help the reader to understand more about the character.

c. Speech

The author can give some clues or insights to the characters through what the character says. Whenever the character is in conversation with another character and gives an opinion, the author is giving us some clues about the characteristic of the character.

d. Past life

By permitting the readers learn something about people past life, the author can give some clues to the events that will help the readers to understand the character better.

e. Conversation of others

The author can also give the reader some clues to a person‘s character through what other character say about the character in the story.

f. Reaction

The author can also give the readers some clues to a person‘s character by

giving the readers the way the character react to certain situation or condition.

g. Direct comment

The author can give the readers direct knowledge of what a person is thinking about, what is the person‘s mind and he feels reflect his character.

h. Thought

The author gives the readers direct knowledge of what a person is thinking about. He is able to tell the readers various thoughts that are experienced by different people. In other words, the author gives the reader a privilege to know them in most thoughts of the character in the novel.

i. Mannerism

The author can describe a person‘s mannerism, or habits which are may also tell us something about the character. The habits or the attitude that the persons has are also the clue in observing the character closely.

2. Theory of Conflict

According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, conflict is the struggle that grows out of the interplay of the two opposing focus in the plot (1986: 107). They also state that conflicts may occur in various situations as described below.

a. A struggle against nature

It presents the character‘s struggle when they deal with the natural forces such as hurricane, flood, storm, earthquake, tornado, landslide and etc.

b. A struggle against another person

It presents the character‘s struggle when they deal with another character. c. A struggle against society

It presents the character‘s struggle when they deal with a society‘s value

systems.

d. A struggle against fate or destiny

It presents the character‘s struggle when they deal with their creator, God. It shows the struggle of the character when they try to change their own fate or destiny.

Stanton in An Introduction to Fiction divides conflict in to two, internal and external conflict.

a. Internal Conflict

This kind of conflict is identified by the term Man vs. Himself. It takes place inside the protagonist, meaning that he/she is arguing with himself/herself.

He spends the entire story arguing with himself about what to do before something finally happens that forces him to make a decision.

b. External Conflict

This conflict is happens when the protagonist has trouble and conflict against the others characters. The protagonist is opposed by another character. Frequently he fights with a single person or more than one (1965: 16).

3. Theory of Message

An Introduction to the Study of Literature book which was written by Henry Hudson states that a good message is a message that discloses new a large possibility they do not realize, most writers would try to tell and to show those possibilities by using their work. A good messages does not tend to follow general pattern or norm but it creates new pattern based on human values (1958: 23)

According to Beaty and Hunter, in their book New Worlds of Literature, a message is defined as the real meaning or some easy conclusion that can be simply stated or summarized inside a work of art (1989: 899). Therefore, message can be said as the whole idea of the work of art.

The other theory of message comes from Sinclair which said that:

Messages is something important in the story, message can evaluate us for better life. Message is defined as an idea that someone tries to communicate to people. It is also the meaning, thought or idea that is intended to express (Sinclair, 1956: 490).

From the quotation above, message can be defined as a tool for the reader to understand about the meaning of life. It makes the reader to appreciate life because life only comes once and it will be not repeated again. Therefore, it makes us a better person who can solve problems wisely.

C. Theoretical Framework

The topic that the writer wants to discuss in this study is the messages that are reflected through the conflict faced by Thomas in The Maze Runner. The theories mentioned above are used as guidance in answering the questions given in the problem formulation.

Theories of character and characterization are used to answer the first question, to examine the character of Thomas, the main character of the story. It is important because the writer needs to know the characteristic of Thomas firstly before the writer examines his conflict in the story.

The theories of conflict are used to answer the second question. Theory of conflict helps the writer in order to see which conflicts are faced by Thomas in the story. This theory is also used to support what Thomas description is.

Another theory that is needed to analyze this novel is theory of message. Theory of message is needed to reveal the message through the character of Thomas. The writer can identify the lesson through the character of Thomas and his conflicts. Then, the writer will be able to see the lesson given by Thomas to become the messages of this story.

13

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

The writer analyzes James Dashner‘s novel entitled The Maze Runner. The book The Maze Runner consists of 375 pages and it was first published in October 6th 2009 by Delacorte Press.

James Dashner is the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, as well as the Mortality Doctrine series, the 13th Reality series, and two books in the Infinity Ring series: A Mutiny in Time and The Iron Empire. He was born and raised in Georgia, but now lives and writes in Rocky Mountains.

There are three major groups of characters in the book of The Maze Runner; they are Gladers, including Thomas, the main character, Grievers, and Creators. Gladers are a group of people who lives in Glade which is a wall enclosed area surrounded by a Maze that changes at night. Inside the Maze, there are full of horrific creatures known as Grievers. All of Gladers are a part of

Creators‘ experiments to help and save humanity from the Flare. Grievers are a

creature that lives in the Maze and comes out after dark. Its purpose is to harass and even kill the Gladers who venture into the Maze. Then, Creators are a group of WICKED (World In Catastrophe Killzone Experiment Department) organization who create and control all of things including the Glade and its system, Maze, and Grievers. They are also responsible for putting the Gladers in the Glade.

The Maze Runner tells about Gladers who lose their memories except their names and inhabited the Maze. However, at the end they know that their names taken from important people‘s name. For example, Thomas comes from Thomas Alva Edison, Gally comes from Galileo Galilei, Teresa comes from Mother Teresa and so on.

Every day, they must run through the Maze outside the Glade, a place where they live. They are not just running, it is their way to survive because by running they hope to find a way out of that cursed place. However, the trajectory of the Maze always changes every day, it means that it seems impossible to get out of that place.

One day, the protective stone door is no longer shut down, it means that the creatures named Griever can go in anytime. Every day, one boy is taken away and disappear. Thomas, one of the Gladers, think that he must solve the Maze to save himself and the other Gladers. However, it is not easy to escape from the Maze because there are some Grievers which can kill all of them. Although it is dangerous to leave the Glade, they must take risks in order to change their life. B. Approach of the Study

In this study, the writer chooses the new criticism with the intention of

analyzing James Dashner‘s The Maze Runner because it is appropriate for this study. The reason why the writer chooses new criticism is because this approach mainly examines the literary work itself. It describes the literary work as an independent work and it means that the reader is not necessary to connect the literary work to the other aspects.

In order to give evidence for the statement which has been mentioned above, the writer provides some quotation from experts. Wilfred L Guerin in his book A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature states that a new criticism approach concentrates on the literary work itself (1979:20). From the quotation above, new criticism delivers the analysis based on the text itself.

Selden, Widdowson and Brooker in A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory states that new criticism is a method which does not talk about context – historical, biographical, intellectual and so on in analyzing literary work. However, new criticism only focuses on analyzing the ―text in itself‖, with its

language and organization. New criticism does not reach text‘s meaning but the way the text ‗speaks itself‘ (2005:19).

Then, it emphasizes that new criticism is not affected by the other elements from outside the novel. Therefore, the writer believes that this approach is the most suitable approach in order to help the writer to analyzing this study. C. Method of the Study

This study uses library research method in order to analyzing this study. The primary source is the James Dashner‘s The Maze Runner. The second sources are taken from some articles, books, internet and journals. The writer also uses some studies on the novels and internet references in order to provide additional data

In analyzing this kind of literary work, the writer applies five steps. The first step is the writer begins to read the novel The Maze Runner by James Dashner and try to understand well about the story. Second, the writer decides the

topic that is going to be discussed and make the problem formulation which discusses about character and characterization, conflict and message. Third, the writer needs to understand the conflicts before analyzes what the messages that the reader can get from the story.

Fourth, the writer decides the suitable approach for this study and also collects sources and references from book and internet in order to support the evidences or arguments when analyzes the story. Fifth, the writer analyzes the conflicts which faced by Thomas and the possible messages through the character of Thomas and his conflicts. The last step, the writer makes conclusion based on the entire analysis in this study.

17

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS This chapter consists of the analysis of the literary work in order to answer

the problems formulated. The analysis is divided into three parts. First, the writer explains the description of Thomas in the story. Second, the writer explains about the conflicts faced by Thomas in the story. Finally, after knowing the description of Thomas and also his conflicts, the writer explains the message which can be acquired from the story. However, the writer only focuses on the message which revealed through the conflicts faced by the character of Thomas.

A. The Characteristics of Thomas

Thomas is one of the characters in the story. He is the one of the Gladers who lives inside the Glade. The Glade is the area in the center of the Maze that functions as a living place for all of people called Gladers. The Glade has four large Walls that encase it and separate it from the Maze. Each wall has an opening in its center called the Door that closes every night and re-opens every morning. Outside the Glade lies the Maze with many twisting and turning paths which always changes. Thomas is probably sixteen years old as has been mentioned by Chuck, the first Glader who becomes friend with Thomas.

The boy scanned him up and down. ―I‘d say you‘re sixteen. And in case you were wondering, five foot nine…brown hair. Oh, and ugly as fried

liver on a stick.‖ He snorted a laugh (Dashner, 2009: 15).

The writer can understand Thomas description from another character

conversation. Through Chuck‘s conversation with Thomas, it is seen that Thomas

is a newcomer in the Glade before the woman Glader, Teresa, arrives. The other characteristics which can be seen from Thomas are curious, smart, brave, and selfless. Those characteristics are explained in the next section.

1. Curious

According to Hornby in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English, the meaning of curious is having a strong desire to know about something (2007: 286).

Thomas can be considered as a curious person because he always has a lot of questions in his mind. He always asks some questions to everyone in the Glade and being curious about the something that makes him confused.

Because of his curiosity, Thomas often interrupts when someone explaining or answering his question. It happens when Thomas comes in the Glade for the first time. Thomas looks confused and questions why he could be in the Glade. Then, he asks Alby who is the leader in the Glade. Alby becomes the leader in Glade because everybody believes that he is the oldest person.

Alby spread his arms out, palms up. ―This place is called the Glade, all

right? It‘s where we live, where we eat, where we sleep-we call ourselves

the Gladers. That‘s all you-― (Dashner, 2009: 9).

From the quotation above, it can be seen that Alby tries to explain about the Glade to Thomas. However, Thomas‘ curiosity forced him to interrupt Alby‘s explanation.

―Who sent me here?‖ Thomas demanded, fear finally giving way to anger. ―How‘d-― (Dashner, 2009:9).

Consequently, Alby gets mad because Thomas interrupts him. However, Thomas still does not care about it

―No interruptions, boy!‖ Alby shouted. ―Whacker, if we told you everything, you‘d die on the spot, right after you klunked your pants. Bagger‘sd drag you off, and you ain‘t no good to us then, are ya?

―I don‘t even know what you‘re talking about,‖ Thomas said slowly,

shocked at how steady his voice sounded (Dashner, 2009: 10).

From the quotation above, it can be seen that his curious characteristic can be seen through his manner. Thomas‘ habit or attitude shows that he is very curious about the reason why he can be inside the Glade. He feels scared and confused because, he does not have any background knowledge and experiences being inside the Glade. However, he pushes himself to ask for explanation and hopefully can find the answers even though he still feels scared and confused.

Another fact that strengthens the idea that Thomas is a curious person is when he meets Minho for the first time. Minho is the Keeper of the Runners, whose job is entering the Maze every morning, mapping it, memorizing and trying to find a way out. Minho comes back to the Glade after he does his job which becomes the Maze runner. At that time, Thomas looks confused when Minho

laughed about Thomas‘ statement that Alby is their leader.

Thomas didn‘t know what to make of the conversation—it was hard to tell

when Minho was joking. ―So who is the leader if he isn‘t?‖ (Dashner,

2009: 81).

Once again, Thomas‘ curiosity is really annoying for people like Minho. After that, Minho said

―Greenie, just shut it before you confuse yourself more.‖ Sighed as if bored, then muttered, almost to himself, ―Why do you shanks always come in here asking stupid questions? It‘s really annoying‖ (Dashner, 2009: 81).

Then, after they have a little conversation with each other, Thomas‘ curiosity appears again as can be seen when Thomas asks Minho about what Minho finds while he enters the Maze.

After a long pause, Thomas decided to take a chance. ―So…,‖ he asked

cautiously, ―did you find anything today?‖

Minho‘s eyes opened wide; he focused on Thomas. ―You know what, Greenie?‖ That‘s usually dumbest shuck-faced thing you could ask a

Runner.‖ He closed his again. ―But not today‖ (Dashner, 2009: 83).

Thomas who looks not satisfied asks Minho once more with the hope that Minho will give him an answer

―What do you mean?‖ Thomas dared to hope information. An answer, he thought. Please just give me an answer! (Dashner, 2009: 83)

Based on Thomas‘ conversation with Minho, it can be seen that he always wants to know every single thing that has been told by Minho. He forces Minho to answer his questions even though Minho annoyed about it.

2. Smart

Thomas is a smart person. His intelligence is shown in the way he deals with his problem during the story. According to Hornby, the meaning of smart is the same with the meaning of intelligent. Intelligent means good at learning, understanding and thinking in logical way about things; showing this ability (2007: 1119).

When Thomas comes to the Glade at the first time, he does not have background knowledge and experience about the Glade itself. Thomas does not know anything at all because all of his memories have been wiped. However, Thomas surprises all of the Gladers when he decides to enter the Maze and

successfully saves Alby and Minho. It is really surprising because nobody can survive inside the Maze in the night.

He thought of the wall, the ivy. Minho hadn‘t explained, but he had made it sound as if climbing the walls was impossible. Still…

A plan formed in his mind. It all depended on the unknown abilities of the Grievers, but it was the best thing he could come up with (Dashner, 2009: 121).

Thomas‘s thought in the novel is enough to shows that he is a smart

person. Thomas does not have any background knowledge and experience about the Maze, but he can quickly find a solution to survive inside the Maze. While he is trapped in the Maze, he uses vines to tie Alby off the ground. Thomas quickly thinks a plan, so that it can prevent his friend from being taken away and killed by the Grievers. A Griever is a creature that lives in the Maze and comes out after dark. Its purpose is to harass and even kill the Gladers who venture into the Maze. Then, in order to avoid from the Grievers, he uses the resources around him. He uses vine of ivy to hung Alby and himself, so that the Grievers cannot see them. He does not let the unfamiliarity of being in the Maze for the first time disturbs his intention to save his friends.

Even though his idea fails because the Grievers can climb the wall, he

does not give up. He then comes face to face with three more Grievers. Thomas‘

quick-thinking works once more, he makes a dive maneuver move to avoid the Grievers. After Minho sees what Thomas do, he gets an idea to make the Grievers go away from them.

As they rounded the next corner, Minho attempted to speak. Between

heaving breaths, he gasped, ―I just saw… the dive move you did… back there… gave me an idea… we only have to last… a little while longer

Thomas still runs with Minho even though he does not know what the idea was. Minho said that he must go to the Cliff as fast as possible. Minho still does not explain what the idea is and it makes Thomas feels confused and wonder why they should go to the Cliff. Suddenly he remembered about the Cliff because

Minho said the word, then he already know what is Minho‘s idea

Thomas remembered hearing the word Cliff before, but couldn‘t place it at

the moment. Seeing the vast, open sky in front of and below him had put him into some kind of hypnotized stupor. He shook himself back to reality and turned to face the oncoming Grievers. They were now only dozens of yards away, single file, charging in with a vengeance, moving surprisingly fast.

Everything clicked, then, even before Minho explained what they were going to do (Dashner, 2009: 137).

This idea shows that Thomas is a smart person because he can think quickly about the idea to escape from the Grievers. It helps Thomas make a new way to escape from the Grievers in a short time even though he does not know about the Grievers very well. The quick-thinking allows him to perform this clever maneuver. Thomas tricks a Griever into the Cliff by running at it and diving at the last second, so that it has too much momentum to stop.

3. Brave

Thomas can be considered as a brave person because Thomas dares to risk his life. His bravery is shown in the way he save their friends. According to Hornby, the meaning of brave is willing to do things which are difficult, dangerous or painful; not afraid (Hornby, 2007: 133).

Thomas is just a newcomer who enters the Glade for the first time and he does not know anything about it. The evidence is that Thomas has no memory of

the past it means that he has lack of survival knowledge. Regardless of his unfamiliarity with the people and the environment, Thomas shows that he is brave enough to become a Runner even though he does not know about his surrounding

Thomas stood and started folding up his sleeping gear. ―Newt, I mean it. I can‘t pull weeds all day—I‘ll go nnuts. I don‘t have a clue what I did

before they shipped me here in that metal box, but my gut tells me that

being a Runner is what I‘m supposed to do. I can do it (Dashner, 2009:

101).

The other evidence also can be seen from the way he reacts to certain condition or situation. The situation is when Thomas sees Alby and Minho in their way to Glade. Alby is injured and not able go back in time, before the walls close for the night. However, he remains hesitant whether he decides to help them or just stays inside the Glade.

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).

Thomas feels confused to make the decision. If he enters the Maze he will break one of the major rules, that all of the Gladers are not allowed to step out of the Glade, unless the person is a Maze runner.

You think I sent Newt to ya before the wake-up just for kicks? Freak,

that‘s the Number One Rule, the only one you‘ll never be forgiven for

breaking. Ain‘t nobody—nobody—allowed in the Maze except Runners.

Break that rule, and if you ain‘t killed by the Grievers, we‘ll kill you

ourselves, you got me? (Dashner, 2009: 46)

The quotation shows that Thomas is a brave person. He has the courage to enter the Maze without worrying about the consequence if he breaks the rule. Without hesitating, he runs out into the Maze to help Alby and Minho even though he knows that no one has ever survived a night in the Maze, he might be killed by the Grievers. He accepts the consequence and then enters the Maze and

saves his friends. He also risks his life to save Alby and Minho even though he does not know them very well.

Another fact that strengthens the idea that Thomas is a brave person can be seen when he saves Dave. Dave is also a Glader, but he never has a conversation with Thomas.

The Griever holding Dave—a kid Thomas had never spoken to—was rolling along on its spikes toward the West Door, churching and whirring. The other Grievers had already gathered in the courtyard and followed their companion toward the Maze. Without hesitating knowing the others would think he was trying to commit suicide, Thomas sprinted in their direction until he found himself in the middle of the pack of creatures. Having been taken by surprise, the Grievers hesitated (Dashner, 2009:294).

Thomas surprises the Gladers once more with his decision to save Dave. Through his reaction to saves Dave from the Grievers, it shows that Thomas is a brave person. Based on the quotation above, it can be seen that Thomas does not know about Dave very well. He is willing to risk his life in order to save Dave even though Thomas never speaks with him.

4. Selfless

Selfless characteristic of Thomas can be seen when he wants to get stung by the Grievers in order to get his memories back and also find out a way to exit the Maze. According to Hornby, the meaning of selfless is thinking more of the

needs and welfare of others than of one‘s own (Hornby, 2007: 1066). In the story, nobody wants to get stung by the Grievers because they still want to be alive. However, Thomas acts differently from the others because he sacrifices himself to

save Dave from the Grievers in purpose the hope of that he could be stung by the Grievers.

Three of the Grievers swarmed on him at once, their long pincers and claspers and needles flying in from all directions. Thomas flailed his arms and legs, knocking away the horrible metallic arms as he kicked at the

pulsating blubber of the Grievers‘ bodies—he only wanted to be stung, not take like Dave. Their relentless attack intensified, and Thomas felt pain erupt over every inch of his body—needle pricks that told him he‘d succeeded. Screaming, he kicked an pushed and thrashed, throwing his body in a roll, trying to get away from them. Struggling, bursting with adrenaline, he finally found an open spot to get his feet under him and ran with all his power (Dashner, 2007: 295).

Thomas does not care about his own, he is willing to endure extreme pain. Even though he already knows the consequence, he still accepts the possibility of going insane, like some of the previous kids who got stung.

Another situation to prove Thomas‘ selfless characteristic can be seen when Thomas has an idea to escape from the Maze. After Thomas has been stung by the Grievers and been cured, he told all of the Gladers that they should go to Grievers hole. Thomas believes that inside Grievers hole there is a computer and if they could enter the code which they get previously to the computer and they might be able to open the door and exit the Maze. However, nobody wants to go inside the Grievers hole because it might be really dangerous and they could be killed by the Grievers. Then, Thomas shows his selfless characteristic by volunteering himself in order to go inside the Grievers hole.

The room went silent until the Blood House Keeper barker a loud laugh.

―Excuse me?‖ Winston asked. ―So your suggestion is that we throw some

poor kid to the wolves so the rest of us can escape? This is your brilliant

suggestion?‖

Thomas refused to admit how bad the sounded, but an idea hit him. ―Yes, Winston, I‘m glad you‘re so good at paying attention.‖ He ignored the glare that got him. ―And it seems obvious who the poor kid should be.‖

―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).

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

According to Holman and Harmon in A Handbook to Literature, conflict is the struggle that grows out of the interplay of the two opposing focus in the plot.

They also state that conflicts may occur in the struggle against nature, against another person, against society, and the struggle for misery. Conflicts may be an argument between opposing forces, like man against man, man against nature, man against fate or perhaps an internal one between the two opposing parts of man‘s personality (1986: 107).

a. Thomas conflicts against Grievers

Thomas faces several external conflicts in the story. The first conflict happens between Thomas and the Grievers. It happens because Thomas, Alby and, Minho enter the Maze. Then, the Grievers attack them and try to kill them because the Creator makes the Grievers with purposes to harass and even kill the Gladers who venture into the Maze. Each of Gladers have their own purposes why they enter the Maze as well as Thomas, Alby, and Minho. The Gladers enter the Maze to gather some information or find a way so that they can escape from the Maze. However, the Grievers prevent the Gladers from escaping the Maze. The main purpose why the Creator make the Grievers and put them inside the Maze is that the Creator wants to test the Gladers who can deal with the most severe challenge and escape so that the Creator can study their genes and brain activity.

Thomas meets the Griever for the first time when he decides to enter the Maze in order to save Alby and Minho. They enter the Maze because in the previous day Minho see a Griever dies inside it. Thomas runs into the Maze before the door closed because he knows that they do not have enough time to go back into the Glade. However, after Thomas enters the Maze, Minho run away and leaves Alby who is injured behind with Thomas. Thomas struggles to help

Alby and to escape from the Grievers, but in the end he realizes that he must fight the Grievers so that he can bring Alby and Minho back to the Glade.

When, Thomas hears the Griever‘s noise grows louder, he quickly thinks that he should quit wasting time waiting for them to come and end his life. He should survive and bring Alby and Minho back to the Glade. He hangs Alby on the wall with a purpose that the Griever would not find him. Unfortunately, the Grievers can see them and the Griever can climb the wall. Then, he knows the

only option left is running to distract Griever‘s attention, so the Griever will not

come to Alby.

He knew the only option left was to run. I’m sorry, Alby, he thought as he unraveled the the thick vine from his chest. Using left hand to hold tight to the foliage above him, he finished unwrapping himself and prepared to

move. He knew he couldn‘t go up—that would bring the Griever across the path of Alby. Down, of course, was only an option if he wanted to die as quickly as possible (Dashner, 2009: 130).

Thomas still runs to avoid the Grievers which are chasing him. Sadly, when he turns to the junction he meets three Grievers waiting in front him. Thomas‘ quick -thinking leads him to make a decision that it is better to turning back to the previous Griever rather than fight the three Grievers in front of him. Once again, his quick-thinking works. Consequently, he sees that there is something strange with the Grievers reaction when he makes avoidance movement. Suddenly, Minho comes in time to help Thomas to fight the Grievers. After that, Thomas and Minho makes a plan to defeat the Grievers by pushing them into the Cliff. They

think that the Grievers cannot stop because the Grievers‘ movement becomes a lot

Just as the first Griever‘s arm extended out to nip at them, Minho and

Thomas dove in opposite directions, each toward one of the outer walls of the corridor. The tactic had worked for Thomas earlier, and judging by the horrible screeching sound that escaped the first Griever, it had worked again. The monster flew off the edge of the Cliff. Oddly, its battle cry cut sharply instead of fading as it plummeted to depths beyond (Dashner, 2009: 138).

However, the last Griever is able to stop in time before it falls into the Cliff. Then, it does not make Minho and Thomas panic. Thomas instinctively knows what he should do with the Griever. They decide to run to the Griever and kick it, so that the Griever falls into the Cliff.

b. Thomas conflicts against Alby

The conflict between Thomas and Alby happens because they have different ideas. Thomas tries to persuade all of the Gladers to follow him to find a way to leave the Maze because he believes that there is a chance for them to leave the Maze. However, Alby as a leader of the Gladers refuses the idea. He does not agree with Thomas idea, and he believes that it just a trick from Thomas to regain his trust. Thomas realizes that all of the Gladers cannot live in the Glade forever. Since Teresa who is the only female Glader arrives in the Glade, everything is going weird. For example, when Teresa speaks to Thomas that she just triggers the Ending. In the next morning, the sun disappears, everything changes immediately. The doors do not close anymore and the supplies do not come as usual. This situation makes all of the Gladers worried about the continuation of their life. As a result, it makes Thomas believe that there must be a chance to find a way to escape from the Maze and they could find their way to home. Therefore,

Thomas said to everyone that all of them must fight until they find a way out from the Maze and bring all of them out of there.

Thomas had an overwhelming feeling that all of these changes were a

spur, a catalyst for the endgame. ―Because now we have to solve it. We‘ll be forced to. We can‘t live that way anymore, day to day, thinking that

what matters most is getting back to the Glade before the Doors close,

snug and safe‖ (Dashner, 2009: 244).

Even though it seems hopeless that he will never be able to find a way out he still never gives up. Then, at last Thomas tells everyone that there is something that they can do, so that they can leave the Maze to go back to their home. Thomas said that there is a computer inside the Grievers Hole and they just need to enter

the code. However, Alby disagrees with Thomas‘ idea because Alby does not trust

Thomas anymore. Alby sees Thomas in his dream when he go through Changing phases, then he knows that he is one of the Creators who build the place and also put all of them there.

―Now you‘re being a shuck idiot,‖ he said, glaring at Thomas. ―Or a

traitor. How can we trust a word you say if you helped design the place,

put us here! We can‘t handle one Griever on our own ground, much less fight a whole horde of them in their little hole. What are you really up to?‖

(Dashner, 2009:310).

It is hard for Thomas to convince all of them because everyone knows that Thomas is the one who help the Creator builds and designs the Maze. Even though Thomas already convinces all of them that he tries to help to find a way to exit the Maze, Alby still does not trust Thomas.

―Maybe that was a trick to gain our trust. If you‘re in league with the shucks who sent us here, you wouldn‘t have had to worry about the

Grievers hurting you—maybe it was all an act‖ (Dashner, 2009: 310). Alby who has got stung and gone through the Changing phase is sure that all of them cannot exit from the Maze. The Changing is a state of unconsciousness

that occurs immediately after a person is stung by a Griever. After the Changing, the person gets back some of the memories that were wiped before he or she came into the Glade. As well as Alby, he regains some of his memory and he is really sure that their life will get worse after they successfully get out from the Maze. However, Thomas does not give up with his situation, he still attempts to regain

all of the Gladers‘ trust including Alby. c. Thomas conflicts against all of Gladers

The conflict between Thomas and all of Gladers happens because Thomas‘

attitude often annoys all of them. Thomas often asks a lot of questions to the Gladers and annoys all of them. One of the examples is when Thomas tries to help Alby and Minho who trap inside the Maze. Thomas and Minho have different perception toward Thomas idea to enter the Maze. Thomas just tries to help Alby and Minho, he feels that he cannot just do nothing and leave them inside the

Maze. However, Minho thinks differently, he thinks that Thomas‘ assistance is

useless and he thinks that Thomas just committed suicide. Minho also believes that there is nothing they can do in order to survive inside the Maze because no one ever survives inside the Maze at night. Thomas feels angry with Minho‘s attitude because he is trying to remain hopeful.

Thomas was annoyed at Minho‘s attitude constant negativity. ―Oh, come

on—there has to be something we can do. How many Grievers‘ll come at

us?‖ He peered down the corridor that led deeper into the Maze, as if

expecting the creatures to arrive then, summoned by the sound of their name (Dashner, 2009: 114).

Even though it seems hopeless for them to survive, Thomas still believes that there is a way to survive inside the Maze. Suddenly, Thomas remembers

about Ben and Gally who are also the Gladers. He asks if anyone has ever been stuck outside during the night and survived like Ben and Gally, but Minho answers in the negative.

A thought sprang into Thomas‘s mind, giving him hope. ―But…what about Ben? And Gally, and others who‘ve been stung and survived?‖

(Dashner. 2009: 115).

All Thomas‘ questions make Minho angry because he thinks that Thomas

tells implicitly that he is a stupid person. Minho believes that all of Thomas‘

thought are already tried and it does not work at all. He also believes that there is not a way to survive inside the Maze at night. In contrast, Thomas still believes that there is something that they can do in order to survive inside the Maze. Therefore, he asks several questions to Minho, so that he can learn the strategy that he can use to survive inside the Maze.

The other conflict which happens between Thomas and all of Gladers is when Thomas tries to persuade all of the Gladers to follow him in order to find the way out of the Maze. Thomas proposes an idea that all of them should enters to the Grievers hole, a place where all of Grievers live. However, some of the

Gladers think that Thomas‘ idea is crazy and as a result they do not agree with his

idea. The other factor why some of the Gladers do not agree is because Thomas is the one of the Creator who helps design the Maze.

In previous event, Thomas realizes that he must sacrifice himself for get stung by the Griever in order to go through Changing phase. Thomas believes that go through Changing phase is the only way to regain his memory, so that he can find a way out from the Maze.

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. (2009:291)

Thomas sacrifices himself to help the Gladers find a way out of the Maze and back to home. He does not know whether he will survive or not through the Changing, he is uncertain about what he will experience and the after-life of the Changing but he does it anyway for everyone else. After went through Changing phase, finally Thomas finds the answer why all of them are sent to the Glade. The Creators are testing all of them and they want the winners or survivors to do something important.

Then, Thomas also makes confession that Thomas and Teresa who is the only girl in the Glade are different because both of them have the ability of telepathy. The confession made all of the Gladers doubt, but Thomas tries to convince them that he and Teresa can find a way out from the Maze.

―It‘s true, and I‘m sorry,‖ Thomas continued. ―But I can tell you this—I‘m

in the same boat with you now. Teresa and I were sent here just like anyone else, and we can die just as easily. But the Creators have seen enough—it‘s time for the final test. I guess I needed the Changing to add the final pieces of the puzzle. Anyway, I wanted you to know the truth, to

know there‘s a chance we can do this‖ (Dashner, 2009:308).

Thomas tries to reassure all of the Gladers that he can help all of them to find the way out even though they already know the true identity of Thomas and Teresa. They are one of the Creators who design the Maze and create the whole thing. Thomas also convinces them that he needed the Changing in order to get the final clue to get out from the Maze.

After go through Changing phase, finally Thomas finds the answer why all of them are sent to the Glade. Thomas believes that there must something about

the code which obtains from the Maze‘s movement. He believes that there is a connection or relation between the code and the Maze. He also believes that all of them could get out from the Maze if they already have the code. He has a plan to

get out but there‘s no assurance whether the plan will be a success or a failure. No

one knows whether they will be alive or dead by the end of the night. Then, Thomas proposes the idea of jumping into the griever hole when they decipher the hidden words concealed in the Maze patterns. The plan sounds crazy for some of the Gladers, but it is the only choice for them if they want to exit from the Maze. Finally, Thomas success to convince all of the Gladers to follows his plan in order to find a way home.

C. The Messages as Revealed through the Thomas’ Conflicts

In this last part of analysis, the writer tries to reveal the messages through the conflicts faced by Thomas.

According to Beaty in New Worlds of Literature, a message is defined as the real meaning or some easy conclusion that can be simply stated or summarized inside a work of art (1989: 899). Then, it might be concluded that message is the main essence that can cover the whole idea of the work of art or literary work.

The messages which revealed through Thomas‘ conflict are never giving up

with the difficult situation, daring to take a risk for our goal, and sacrificing for

something we want achieve. Those messages‘ detail will be explained in the next

1. Never Giving up with the Difficult Situation

Thomas‘ conflict between the Grievers proves that he has willingness to

keep survive in any situation. He sees Alby and Minho try to return to the Glade, but they do not have enough time. Thomas wants to help them, but he always remembers about the rule about not to enter the Maze. Thomas also does not know anything about the Maze and how to defeat the Grievers, but he enters the Maze anyway to save Alby and Minho. However, Minho looks unhappy with Thomas decision, because he thinks that Thomas‘ help is useless. It is different with Thomas who believes that there is a hope and there must be something that they can do in order to survive inside the Maze.

Thomas was annoyed at Minho‘s constant negativity. ―Oh, come on— there has to be something we can do. How many Grievers‘ll come at us?‖

He peered down the corridor that led deeper into the Maze, as if expecting the creatures to arrive then, summoned by the sound of their name (Dashner, 2009: 114).

Minho is the Keeper of the runner and he is supposed to know well about the Maze and know how to escape from the Grievers. However, they have pretty much all lost hope, especially for Minho. He thinks that they will not survive in the Maze because the Grievers will chase them wherever they go and they will be dead.

You don‘t understand, shuck-face! You don‘t know anything, and you‘re

just making it worse by trying to have hope! We‘re dead, you hear me?

Dead! (Dashner, 2009:117).

However, he gives up and decides to leave Alby and Thomas behind in order to save himself. In contrast, Thomas decides to stay with Alby and figure out a solution so that both of them can survive from the Grievers. Surviving in the new place and without background knowledge about it is not an easy thing. However,

Thomas never gives up with his situation and keeps trying to find a way to save Alby who injured, though he knows that it is difficult. Thomas still has willingness to survive and he does not surrender and does nothing though his plan does not work well.

However, when Thomas finds a way to trick the Grievers, Minho realizes that there is a way to survive the night and it makes him has hope again. Then, they trick three Grievers into falling off the Cliff and Minho is shocked and said

Minho snorted. ―Somehow we made it to sunrise, or we would‘ve had ten

more on our butts before long.‖ He shifted his body, wincing and groaning. ―I can‘t believe it. Seriously. We made it through the whole

night—never been done before‖ (Dashner, 2009: 140).

Even though some of Thomas‘ ideas to escape from the Grievers are unsuccessful,

he still struggles to look for a way to defeat the Grievers. Thomas‘ struggle is not

in vain, Minho and he finally find a way to defeat the Grievers and they successfully defeat all of Grievers which chase them.

Another situation is when Thomas promises himself that he will keep struggle to find a way to exit from the Maze on the day when he officially becomes a runner.

Tomorrow, his training would begin. Tomorrow, he could start helping them find that missing something. Right then Thomas made a decision.

Forget all the weird stuff. Forget all the bad things. Forget all. He wouldn‘t quit until he‘d solved the puzzle and found a way home (Dashner, 2009:

200).

Though there is no hope for Thomas‘ conflicts, he insists on not to give up. Thomas knows that it is dangerous to go out of there, but he does not let that to stop his desire to help all of the Gladers from achieving freedom. They can be

was going to get stung by a Griever. Go through the Changing. On purpose (Dashner, 2009: 291).

Thomas needs to find a few more clues in order to get the way to exit the Maze. Therefore, he thinks that stung by the Griever is the solution for all of them to find the answer. Thomas believes that all he needs is just his memories, and then he sacrifices himself to help the Gladers find a way out of the Maze and back home. He does not know whether he will survive or not through the Changing, he is uncertain about what he will experience in the after-life of the Changing but he does it anyway for everyone else.

Once again, Thomas attempts to sacrifice himself to save the others, so that the others can escape from the Maze safely. Thomas thinks that all of them need to do something rather than waiting the Grievers kill one of them each day.

It doesn‘t do the Creators any good if we all die—this thing is meant to be hard, not impossible. I think we finally know for sure that the Grievers are programmed to only kill one of us each day. So somebody can sacrifice himself to save the others while we run to the Hole. I think this might be how it‘s supposed to happen (Dashner, 2009: 313).

Thomas proposes the idea of jumping into the Griever Hole, but he also tell that somebody should hold the Grievers outside the Hole, so that the others can enter the code to the computer and leave the Maze safely. All of the Gladers do not agree with the idea because they believe that nobody want to volunteering himself to fight with the Grievers. However, it is the only choice for them if they want to exit from the Maze. Surprisingly, Thomas says that he will sacrifice himself to fight with the Grievers while the other runs to the Hole.

―I‘m perfectly willing to do it.‖ Thomas meant it, but only because of the guilt that racked him. Guild that he‘d somehow helped design the Maze. But deep dow, he held on to the hope that he could fight long enough for

someone to punch in the code and shut down the Grievers before they killed him. Open the door (Dashner, 2009: 315).

Some of the Gladers feel that Thomas should not do that, because they believe that Thomas cannot help what the Creators forced him to do, so it is not his fault at all. However, Thomas still wants to sacrifice himself because he must have his responsibility to save everyone and to redeem himself.

43 CHAPTER V CONCLUSION

This chapter concludes the analysis of this study. The writer writes this study in order to find out the message that can be revealed from Thomas‘ conflicts. The writer uses the novel The Maze Runner as the object of the study. The writer sees that Thomas conflicts in the story are interesting to be discussed. Thomas conflicts are about his struggle to survive and find a way out from the Maze. By analyzing the story, the writer can draw several conclusions which answer the problem formulation.

First, the writer analyzes the characteristic of character, Thomas, in the first analysis. The writer can find four characteristics of Thomas in the story; they are curious, smart, brave, and selfless. Those characteristics of Thomas are important in order to see his personality

Thomas is one of the Gladers who lives inside the Glade. He often faces many problems in searching the reason why he and the Gladers are sent inside the Glade. The situations reveal Thomas‘ personalities; those are curious, smart, brave, and selfless. Then, the answer of the first problem formulation is used to make the analysis of the second problem formulation.

The second problem formulation of this study is the conflicts faced by Thomas. The writer find that there two types of conflicts faced by Thomas, internal and external conflicts. Thomas‘ internal conflict happens 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.

Thomas‘ external conflict happens when he faces the situation against nature and his society. His conflict against occurs when he enters the Maze and fight the Grievers in order to survive. Then, his conflict against society happens when he has different point of view or idea between Alby, his leader and all of Gladers.

Then, from the conflicts faced by Thomas in the story, the writer can reveal several messages. The first message is never giving up with the difficult situation. People should have willingness to survive in any situation. It can be seen in Thomas‘ conflict against Grievers; he does not give in despite his difficult situation. He tries to fight back the Grievers in order to survive inside the Maze. The second message is daring to take a risk for our goal. Sometimes, people do not dare to take a risk to achieve something. They prefer to stay in their comfort zone rather than try some new possibilities. However, this kind of thought makes some people stuck and they will not get what they want. Therefore, whatever the situation or the problem, people should dare to take a risk in achieving their goal. Third message is sacrificing for something we want achieve. When people really want to achieve their goal, they should be ready to sacrifice anything, even they must sacrifice themselves.

45

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