Characters [ edit]
- Maxwell "Max" Kane is the main character and narrator of the story. ...
- Kevin "Freak" Avery is a disabled, blonde-haired boy whom Max becomes best friends with. ...
- Grim is Maxwell's grandfather. ...
- Gram is Maxwell's grandmother. ...
- Gwen "Fair Gwen" Avery is Kevin's mother. ...
- Kenneth "Kenny" David Kane (also known as Killer Kane) is the main antagonist of the book. ...
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Why did Gwen call Max in Freak the Mighty?
Embarrassed by her behavior, Gwen has called to apologize and invite Max to dinner. Gwen was a good friend of Max's mother before her marriage to Max's father and was just surprised to see that Max had grown so large.
Who are the 3 main characters in Freak the Mighty?
The main characters in Freak the Mighty are Maxwell Kane and Kevin Avery (who is nicknamed Freak). The story of the friendship between these two boys is the main plot of the book. There are also several other supporting characters, such as Kenny Kane (Max's father), and also Iggy and Loretta Lee.
What does Gwen arrange for Max and Freak?
Gwen has arranged for Max to be in all of Kevin's classes.
Did Gwen upset Max?
He then invites him over to his grandparents basement in the "down under." Max learns that Freak is a very smart guy then learns more about his father and what happened when he was younger. Fair Gwen comes over and mistakes Max for his father, and she grabs Freak and runs away.
How tall is Max in Freak the Mighty?
nine feet tallWhen approached in the summer, Kevin names them as a force: "We're Freak the Mighty. We're nine feet tall," implying that together they make up a nine-foot-tall fearsome combination of brains and brawn. The brute part, however, is only in Maxwell's appearance, not in his personality.
How tall is Freak the Mighty?
Freak is only about three feet tall, and he has to walk with crutches. As a result, people continually underestimate him and feel sorry for him. Even Max originally describes Freak as a "crippled-up yellow haired midget" (2.8). Not exactly the nicest thing to say about your friend.
What is Gwen actually afraid of in Freak the Mighty?
She's extremely beautiful, kind, and protective of Freak, and she's one of the first adults that Max decides is okay. Though Gwen initially reacts with terror when she sees Max, she makes a point to apologize and explain that she was only afraid because Max so resembles Kenny, and Kenny always scared her.
What does Gwen think of Max's father?
What does Gwen think of Max's father? Gwen thinks he is crazy and scary. People say that Max is the "spitting image" of his father.
Why was fair Gwen in Freak the Mighty?
In Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick, the beautiful Gwen is Kevin's mother. Kevin, or Freak, as Max affectionately calls him, calls his mother the ''Fair Gwen of Air'' because of his obsession with King Arthur and the Fair Guinevere.
Why is Max's father in jail?
He is Max's selfish and sociopathic father. He was sent to prison for strangling his wife to death. After his release from prison on parole, Kenny kidnaps Maxwell on Christmas Eve and takes him to Loretta and Iggy's apartment.
What does Max do after Gwen runs off?
After Fair Gwen takes Freak home, Max crawls under his bed where nothing matters, where he can disappear. Max's time-out doesn't last long. Gram calls down to him that Gwen Avery wants to apologize. Gwen, Gram explains, was a friend of Max's mother, and she has invited Max to dinner.
What was Max's bedroom called?
Max's Lair is the basement of the Thundermans' house, which is also Max's bedroom.
What happened in chapter 3 of Freak the Mighty?
Summary: Chapter 3: American Flyer Max escapes back to his basement after his encounter with Freak. He thinks about how Freak called him an earthling. Then he heads back outside and sees Freak swinging his crutches at the branches of a tree, trying to retrieve something that's stuck there.
Does Freak the Mighty Have a movie?
The Mighty is a 1998 American coming of age buddy comedy-drama film directed by Peter Chelsom and written by Charles Leavitt. Based on the book Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick, the film stars Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands, Gillian Anderson, Harry Dean Stanton, Kieran Culkin, James Gandolfini and Elden Henson.
Is there a second Freak the Mighty?
Max the Mighty is a young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick. Published in 1998, it is the sequel to Freak the Mighty.
What happens in chapter 2 of Freak the Mighty?
Freak is in the middle of shouting orders when he sees Max. He demands that Max identify himself or suffer the consequences. Max thinks Freak (whose real name is Kevin, by the way) is being serious, so he sort of panics and does what any mature 13-year-old would do—he runs away.
What does Max see when he sees Gwen?
The first time Max sees Gwen, as she is moving in to the duplex down the street, he notices that she is '…wearing these old jeans and a baggy T-shirt, and her long hair is tied back and she's probably sweating, but she still looks like a movie star. Like she has this glow, a secret spotlight that follows her around and makes her eyes light up.' There is a familiarity to her, but it is not until Max sees Kevin ordering the movers around that he realizes who she is. Max must have seen her picking up Kevin from daycare when they were little.
Why does Gwen call Max's grandmother?
Feeling guilty about the way she reacted, Gwen calls Max's grandmother to invite Max to dinner. Although he is hesitant, Gram is pushy, so he accepts. Max learns that Gwen was a friend of Max's deceased mother before she married his father. 'I never saw much of your mom after they got married. He made it … difficult for your mother to have any friends,' said Gwen. The real reason why Gwen seemed so upset when she saw Max is because she was so surprised at how much Max looks like his dad. Max's father is in prison for killing Max's mother. Dinner is fun, the hot dogs are great, and Max decides that Gwen is pretty amazing after all.
Why did Kevin's father leave Gwen?
As Max and Kevin get to know each other, Max discovers that Kevin's father left Gwen because of Kevin's birth defect, Morquio Syndrome. 'Freak said his mother won't talk about it. All she says is, 'He made his decision and I made mine.' Gwen always puts Kevin's needs first and does not move on and find another love interest until after Kevin's death. Kevin has dealt with a lot, but with his mother's love and support, he maintains a positive outlook and lives a short, but pretty interesting life.
Why does Gwen feel overprotective?
She feels pretty overprotective because of Kevin's small size and frailty, but she is visibly shaken when she sees that he is with Max. As she gathers up Kevin and rushes away, Max thinks he has dealt with this before. People are always intimidated by his size.
Why does Gwen buy Kevin a computer?
She even buys Kevin a computer for his birthday so that if his illness prevents him from attending school, he will still be able to communicate with Max.
Why is Kevin's mother called the Fair Gwen of Air?
Kevin, or Freak as Max affectionately calls him, calls his mother the 'Fair Gwen of Air' because of his obsession with King Arthur and the Fair Guinevere. In this lesson, we will learn more about Gwen.
Did Kevin's father want a child with a birth defect?
Kevin's father did not want a child with a birth defect.
Who is Fair Gwen?
Fair Gwen is Kevin's (Freak's) mom. Kevin calls her "Fair Gwen of Air," which is definitely a weird thing to call your mom, but Kevin definitely isn't what readers would call an average/normal kid. He is an exceptionally bright, creative, and imaginative kid. He is also extremely passionate about King...
Who is Kevin's mom?
Fair Gwen is Kevin's (Freak's) mom. Kevin calls her "Fair Gwen of Air," which is definitely a weird thing to call your mom, but Kevin definitely isn't what readers would call an average/normal kid. He is an exceptionally bright, creative, and imaginative kid. He is also extremely passionate about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Gwen is quite similar to Guinevere, and the old tales referred to her as Fair Guinevere. It's easy to see why Kevin would make this name association and name change for his mom. Symbolically, the "fair" part of her name reflects what she is. She is stunning to look at, but more importantly, she is equally beautiful and caring on the inside. For example, she makes it a priority to apologize to Max for her initial reaction to his physical appearance, and that is likely the first time that has ever happened to Max.
Why did Gwen's boyfriend leave?
It is Revealed that Gwen's Boyfriend left when He Heard the Words "Birth Defect".Gwen Doesn't want Kevin to get Hurt or anything bad, It actually comes to the point when she doesn't want Freak to go his "Adventures" anymore. After Kevin (Freak) Dies She Moves Away Because she couldn't stand living in that house with Freak not around. She also now has a boyfriend and they are crazy about each other according to Loretta Lee.
What color eyes does Gwen have?
In the Book, Gwen has long hair and blue eyes and she just has that glow that follows her wherever she goes. She is very protective of freak and does not want him to get hurt.
Who is the mother of Kevin the Fair Guinevere?
Gwen Avery is the Mother of Kevin The Fair Guinevere as Freak Calls her, Or the Fair-Gwen-of-Air as Max seems to think she is called. She is known as Gwen Dillon in the movie and Gwen Avery in the book. Gwen is played by Sharon Stone.
Who is Freak's mother?
Gwen. Freak ’s mother; he often calls her “Fair Gwen of Air,” a play on Guinevere from the King Arthur legends. When Gwen was young, she was Max ’s mother, Annie ’s, best friend. She’s extremely… read analysis of Gwen.
What is Kevin Freak's real name?
Kevin/Freak. A 12-year-boy with Morquio syndrome, which means that Kevin is a dwarf, walks with crutches and leg braces, and has other health issues. Though his real name is Kevin, Max usually refers to him… read analysis of Kevin/Freak.
How old is Max Kane?
Max Kane. The 12-year-old protagonist of the novel. Max is extremely tall and big for his age. For this reason, combined with his father’s terrifying reputation as “ Killer Kane ,” most people think Max is mean… read analysis of Max Kane.
Who is Iggy Lee?
The terrifying leader of a biker gang in Max ’s town. Max knows of Iggy Lee by reputation and he knows that Iggy isn’t someone to mess with. Iggy is a tall, hulking man with… read analysis of Iggy Lee
Who is Max's father?
Kenny (Killer) Kane. Max ’s father. Like Max, Kenny is extremely tall and wide, but unlike Max, Kenny is cruel and unfeeling— Grim refers to him as an “accident of nature.”. Grim’s feelings are fueled by the fact… read analysis of Kenny (Killer) Kane.
Who is Grim in the book?
Grim. Max ’s maternal grandfather, Annie ’s father, and Gram ’s husband. Grim is a gruff individual who, for much of the novel, regards Max with fear and possible loathing. This is because Max resembles his… read analysis of Grim.
Does Tony D carry a knife?
Tony D. The local bully; Tony D. has been to juvenile court several times and he definitely carries a knife. Max suspects that he also has access to firearms. Max says that Tony D. even has sharpened… read analysis of Tony D.
Maxwell (Max) Kane
A 12-year-old boy who is the narrator and protagonist of the novel. Max lives with his grandparents because his father is in prison for killing his mother. Max is very big for his age and looks like his father, so people fear him, but he is actually very sensitive and kind.
Kevin (Freak) Avery
A 12-year-old boy who moves into the house next door to Max. Kevin, whom Max refers to as “Freak,” is extremely intelligent and has a quick and sarcastic wit. He also has a condition called Morquio syndrome that affects his growth and mobility. He is very small for his age, wears leg braces, and uses crutches to get around.
Grim
Max’s maternal grandfather, who Max lives with after his mother’s death. Grim loves Max, but he also recognizes the physical similarities between Max and his father, Kenneth “Killer” Kane, and worries that Max could be like his father in other ways.
Gram
Max’s maternal grandmother and wife of Grim. Gram is warm and sweet. She loves Max and worries about him constantly.
Kenneth (Kenny) Kane, also known as Killer Kane
Max’s father, who is in prison for killing Max’s mother. Kenny “Killer” Kane is big, strong, cruel, and manipulative. Gram refers to him as an “accident of nature.”
Loretta Lee
A woman from a dangerous part of town who knew Max’s mother and father when they were younger.
What is the name of the boy in the movie Freak?
Kevin "Freak" Avery is a disabled, blonde-haired boy whom Max becomes best friends with. Kevin has Morquio syndrome, where the outside of his body cannot grow. He walks on crutches and wears a leg brace. He is a genius for his age and size and is cuttingly sarcastic. He carries a dictionary with him. He is interested in Robotics and the tales of King Arthur, to the extent of calling his mother Gwen "The Fair Gwen Of Air/ Guinevere " and calling his adventures with Max "quests". Kevin looks forward to his surgery (which Max later finds out was a lie so he wouldn't know the truth), in which he will gain a robot's body. Unexpectedly on his 13th birthday, Kevin has a seizure. In the hospital, he dies, because as his doctor puts it, "his heart became too big for his body". In the film, Kevin's last name was changed from Avery to Dillon.
Who is Max the Mighty?
Max the Mighty. Freak the Mighty is a young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick. Published in 1993, it was followed by the novel Max the Mighty in 1998. The primary characters are friends Maxwell Kane, a large, developmentally disabled, but kind-hearted boy, and Kevin Avery, nicknamed "Freak", who is physically disabled but very intelligent.
Why did Freak die?
Max returns to the hospital the next day to find that Freak died because his heart became too big for his body. Dr. Spivak, Kevin's doctor, reveals that Freak knew he was going to have a very short life, but he told Max he was going to get a bionic body because it would give himself hope. The Fair Gwen moves away, with a new man she is in love with, and Max misses Freak's funeral, staying in his room, the "down under" for months. Not even Grim or Gram can get him out, until Grim orders Max to return to school. One day, Max sees Loretta, who tells him "Doing nothing's a drag, kid", so Max writes all of the adventures he and Freak had, in honor of his best friend.
What does Max like about Kevin?
However, Max likes Kevin and thinks the crutches and leg braces are neat. Many years later, when Max is in middle school, he finds out that Freak and his mother, Gwen (referred to as "The Fair Guinevere") are moving into the house next door. When Max initially approaches Freak, Freak acts with hostility.
What does Grim and Gram do to Max?
Grim and Gram dislike his dad, and are afraid of Max ending up like him. Grim threatens to buy a gun for the family's protection. Max is shocked and scared by the news of his father's parole. On Christmas Eve, Max is woken up by his father, Killer Kane, who has come to take him to train him to be his assistant.
What is the name of the woman in the storm drain?
On one adventure they find a woman's purse in the storm drain. They return it to the woman who is named Loretta Lee.
What happened to Blade and Max after the show?
After the show, Blade chases the two with his gang after Freak calls him a cretin. Despite Max's lack of knowledge and disability, he escapes by acting on Freak's orders, but the two are driven into a muddy millpond, Freak riding on Max's shoulders.
Why does Freak call his mom Fair Gwen?
Freak explains that since his mom’s name is Gwen, he calls her the Fair Gwen sometimes. He says that way back when there were still monsters and dragons, King Arthur was a “wimpy little kid” who managed to pull a magic sword out of a big stone. This feat is what made him the first King of England.
What does Max's nonchalant insistence that Gwen is afraid of him mean?
Meanwhile, Max’s nonchalant insistence that Gwen is afraid of him suggests that Max is accustomed to adults treating him with fear and suspicion, something that certainly wears on his self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Active Themes. Get the entire Freak the Mighty LitChart as a printable PDF.
What does Freak say about the opiate of the masses?
Freak’s very serious deployment of “opiate of the massives” tells the reader that while Freak may be smart, he’s still an innocent kid—the phrase should read “opiate of the masses ” in reference to the paraphrased Karl Marx quote, “Religion is the opiate of the masses.” However, because Freak is the one telling the story, he can make whatever he wants true, and Max can remember it however he sees fit. Meanwhile, Max’s nonchalant insistence that Gwen is afraid of him suggests that Max is accustomed to adults treating him with fear and suspicion, something that certainly wears on his self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.
What does Freak call his mom?
Max asks why Freak calls his mom “Fair Gwen of Air” and whether it’s a nickname.
Why does Max shrug when he sees Freak?
Max just knows of the flour brand, so he shrugs. The way that Max allows Freak to do things for himself is important, as it shows that Max respects Freak’s dignity and individuality; he never looks at Freak as though Freak is incapable of doing things because of his hindered mobility.
What chapter is Freak the Mighty?
Freak the Mighty: Chapter 4. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Freak the Mighty, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. Freak is able to climb down the steps into the down under himself, though he’s out of breath at the bottom.
What does Freak say about Arthur and Guinevere?
Max notes that Freak is really into the story and he explains to the reader that when Freak talks, it’s impossible to take one’s eyes off of him. Freak continues that Arthur married Guinevere and then got bored, so he invited knights to live in his castle and eat around a round table.
