Courage Over Fear!
Tyson Peterson/Period 4-5
Development of Theme Analysis
They all work together to build the theme. The setting/neighborhood is a great place for the conflict. It is a slum, villains wouldn't be in candy land. Since it is in a unhappy place we can tell the conflict will be unhappy as well. The theme is first introduced when Max is scared of his dad. He knows what happened but doesn't tell. Even when he is kidnapped he is afraid of his dad. But when Loretta is in danger he steps out of his fear zone. On page 128 it says "I saw you kill Mom" and at page 129 " You killed her and I'll never forget,not ever." I think the theme is brought out well by all of the elements of fiction well in this story.
Reflection and Application of Theme
I agree with the theme as "Courage Over Fear". Throughout the story characters have to choose to have courage or fear. I think the author developed it well from the beginning they had to be courageous on quests. Every main character showed courage at one point. Also the author made it harder and harder for the characters to be courageous. We have to stand up for whats right. In our generation, whatever were doing we should be brave and have courage. That would make our generation better.
Knight
The knight is a symbol of courage. Back then they would have to be courageous and brave to fight in war. Even if it meant giving up their lives. Max and Freak were just like knights. Max saved Loretta from Kenny and could have gotten hurt of killed. Freak knew he was going to die early due to his disease. He still was brave and fought his disease with amazing courage.
Freak
I think all of the characters show courage at one point. But Freak connects to the theme the most. As small as he is he stood up to a giant. He was very courageous to risk his life and save Max. He also had his disease and knew his life could end very soon.
Max stands up against his dad
When Kenny is choking Loretta Max changes his thoughts and uses a lot of courage. He finally lets out what hes been hiding about his knowledge. That he knew his dad killed his mom. This is the climax when Max is not afraid anymore and stands up against his giant father. It takes a lot of courage to let out what you have been holding in for a long time. Max put his life in danger to stand up for Loretta.
Summary
This book has been very suspenseful and good. It started off with Max as Kicker in school, he had odd reputations for hitting people. They moved away and then came back during the summer of 8th grade to a slum. Freak has a disease that affects his growing. Max and Freak become friends. Max's dad has been in jail and fears him. When his dad gets out of jail and takes him away, everyone panics. Freak saves Max and his dad is in jail. When all is resolved, Freak has a medical issue and sadly dies.
Rodman Philbrick
Rodman Philbrick (Author) was born during 1951 in Boston,MA. He is an American writer for children and adult novels. His latest award was in 2010, and he got the Newbery Honor. Freak the Mighty and Max the Mighty are his two most popular books.
Website: www.rodmanphilbrick.com/
Location: ME,US