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In How to Read Literature like a Professor the Underworld is described as "An ultimate challenge, facing the darkest parts of human nature or dealing with death." The world in this novel can easily be seen as the epitome of underworld like characteristics in a post apocalyptic sense. The maze was once seen as the ultimate challenge in its vast, desolate abyss. Not even the Scorch could compare with the outside world, considering it was still somewhat simulated and controlled. But away from WICKED's absolute control, the group has to learn to survive in a world where they as immune are hated and the non-immune can be infected and quarantined to suffer a slow, insane driven death, with ease. In this world the group is truly facing the darkest part of human nature because of the Flare disease which is the premeditation to death. The darkest part of the human nature is savage behavior that leads to mental destruction, and this is portrayed in the Cranks. In order to get through the world, trust and friendship have to be present. Thomas now knows that he can trust all of the Gladers, girls from Group B, Brenda, Jorge and even now Gally. These new found allegiances help give Thomas a sense of security and support which is how he can focus on the task of taking down WICKED instead of worrying about who he can trust.