How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"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 the Runners. Break that rule, and if you ain't killed by the Grievers, we'll kill you ourselves, you get me?" (7.24)
This line has huge importance later on, because Thomas does break that rule, to save Alby. And yet, no one kills him for it…
Quote #2
Alby's eyes narrowed; his mouth pulled into a tight grin that didn't look like it had anything to do with humor. "If anybody touches this girl," Alby said, "you're gonna spend the night sleepin' with the Grievers in the Maze. Banished, no questions." (9.11)
Alby seems to be pretty fond of banishment as a deterrent. He's equally fond of seeing things as right vs. wrong, black vs. white.
Quote #3
"The Slammer. It's our jail on the north side of the Homestead." Chuck pointed in that direction. "They threw him in it so fast, the Med-jacks had to patch him up in there." (13.38)
At least they have somewhere to contain those awaiting sentencing. Who knows where they'd go otherwise… oh right. They're trapped in the Glade surrounded by a deadly Maze… but throwing guys in there would be a sentencing in its own right.
Quote #4
"Already had a Gathering of the Keepers this morning—made a unanimous decision by the sounds of it. Looks like Ben'll be wishing that arrow had found a home inside his shuck brain after all." […] "He's being Banished. Tonight, for trying to kill you." (13.40)
And yet later, when Gally threatens to kill both Thomas and Minho during a Gathering, he gets off scot-free. Well, he runs off before anyone can catch him, but it just seems like one more episode where even though the rules are strict and firm, the enforcement of them is a little lax.
Quote #5
Alby spoke in a loud, almost ceremonious voice, looking at no one and everyone at the same time. "Ben of the Builders, you've been sentenced to Banishment for the attempted murder of Thomas the Newbie. The Keepers have spoken, and their word ain't changing. And you ain't coming back. Ever." (14.6)
What if he found a way to survive like Thomas does? Would they let him back in? Also, some consideration should have been given to the fact that he was still pretty loopy from going through the Changing.
Quote #6
"Someone stop them! Help me! Please!" He glanced from boy to boy, begging with his eyes. […] "If we let shanks like you get away with that stuff," Alby said, "we never would've survived this long. Keepers, get ready." (14.13)
Sure, being consistent with your rules is really important when MacGuyvering a government together using a shoestring, some scotch tape, and a slide whistle, but couldn't exceptions ever be made?
Quote #7
Thomas couldn't imagine going out that way, but based on Ben's last moments, psychotically thrashing and spitting and screaming, he no longer doubted the importance of the Glade rule that no one should enter the Maze except Runners, and then only during the day. (15.3)
And yet, merely one chapter later, he goes ahead and throws that rule out the window.
Quote #8
"Reason we're here is because almost every lovin' kid in the Glade has come up to me in the last day or two either boohooing about Thomas or beggin' to take his bloody hand in marriage. We need to decide what we're gonna do with him." (24.10)
When the townsfolk start demanding justice, you know you're in trouble—it's only a matter of time before you're facing pitchforks and angry mobs.
Quote #9
"Here's my recommendation," Newt said. "You broke our bloody Number One Rule, so you get one day in the Slammer. That's your punishment. I also recommend we elect you as a Runner, effective the second this meeting's over." (26.26)
Well at least he got his due process. But Alby specifically said earlier that if you break that rule you get "banished, no questions" (9.11), so things have definitely changed in the Glade.
Quote #10
"I want her locked up. Now. Billy! Jackson! Put her in the Slammer, and ignore every word that comes out of her shuck mouth." (37.2)
So Thomas gets a Gathering to discuss his punishment, Ben gets a Gathering to determine his banishment, but Teresa gets locked up immediately for confessing to inadvertently triggering the ending… How is that fair?