The premise of the novel “the maze runner” seems to be about not giving up, but what kinds of surprises or obstacles make the Gladers consider giving up?

After Alby had been stung and gone through the changing, he had said to Thomas that they couldn't leave because he'd seen what the world outside was like.

That was him basically giving up on getting out.

hope this helps a little:)

answer; (b); the abolitionist movement;

it is the background information on the characters and setting explained at the beginning of the story. the exposition will often have information about events that happened before the story began. the exposition is often the very first part of the plot.