How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Thomas was in no mood for whining—they had to do something. "Well, we'd be no better off in the Homestead. Hate to say it, but if one of us dies, that's better than all of us." […] "Maybe I should…" […] Alby took off running—he headed straight for the pack of Grievers between him and the Cliff. […] Alby had already made it to the monsters and jumped on top of one. Newt moved away from Thomas's side and toward Alby—but five or six Grievers had already burst to life and attacked the boy in a blur of metal and skin. (55.33-6)
Poor, cranky Alby. At least his sacrifice was worth it, though—by distracting the Grievers the kids were able to escape the Glade. However, the question that keeps coming up with these sacrifices is: was there another way this could have been accomplished?
Quote #8
Minho continued. "Alby didn't wanna go back to his old life. He freaking sacrificed himself for us—and they aren't attacking, so maybe it worked. We'd be heartless if we wasted it." (55.51)
Good point, Minho—you're always thinking. Is a sacrifice truly sacrifice if nothing good comes out of it? If nothing does, then isn't it just a tragedy?
Quote #9
With unexpected speed, he reared back and threw the knife at Thomas. As he did so, Thomas heard a shout to his right, sensed movement. Toward him. […] Then, inexplicably, Chuck was there, diving in front of him. Thomas felt as if his feet had been frozen in block of ice; he could only stare at the scene of horror unfolding before him, completely helpless. (59.36, 38)
The last thing Thomas expected was someone making the choice to die for him, and the fact that it was innocent little Chuck makes it even harder to swallow. Do you think this was a deliberate decision for the author to use Chuck?