The primary symbol of The Maze Runner is the Maze itself. Baffling, unsolvable, deadly, and unexplained, it contains the Gladers, torments them, forces their actions, without offering answers. In this instance the form of WICKED’s experiment is the symbol for the Glader’s experience. It serves as a legitimate metaphor for the endless confusing challenges facing all young people as they come of age. Inflicted by well-intentioned but manipulative adults, the children are forced to find a way to escape that denies the Maze, rather than adapting to it.
Beetle blades are also a symbol of the book. Beetle Blades are the property of WICKED They are programmed to spy on the Gladers. The Gladers also believe the Beetle Blades alert the Grievers where they are. They are silver with a cylindrical body about 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches in length. They have 12 jointed legs running the length of their body. A bright, blinding red light is emitted through the beetle's eye. WICKED is "smeared across the torso; as if they had been written in blood." The Gladers mentioned to never touch them. They were common in the maze but also appeared in the WICKED headquarters.