How does Max change during Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick?

A character who undergoes some sort of fundamental change or transformation during a literary work is sometimes referred to as a "dynamic" character, and in this novel, Maxwell Kane most certainly fits that category.  When the novel opens, Max is a sad, withdrawn young man, whose feelings of inadequacy are almost as large as the boy himself.  His physical size is reminiscient of his father, who is in prison for killing his mother, but Max couldn't be more gentle or sensitive.  When Kevin moves in next door one summer when they are in middle school, he brings a whole new dimenstion to Max's life.  Because of Kevin, Max begins to understand and take part in the world of books, dreams, and imagination.  Although Max has always resisted assistance in the public school setting, he proves to be no match for Kevin, who, although physically tiny due to a birth defect, is extremely intelligent, stubborn, even bossy, and issues directives to assist Max that Max complies with simply because Kevin doesn't really give him a choice.  Kevin rides around town on Max's shoulders, sharing his ideas, and thus Freak the Mighty is born:  Max's size allows Kevin to have a decent view of the world and "use" of Max's legs, while exposure to Kevin's intellect, imagination, and even sense of humor allow Max to quietly contemplate the idea that he might actually be worthy of someone's love, and perhaps he is not as stupid as he has always thought.  At one point, Max observes of his struggles: 

I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for awhile, and that's the truth, the whole truth. The unvanquished truth, is how Freak would say it, and for a long time it was him who did the talking.

When school starts, Max is allowed to enroll in Kevin's advanced classes so the boys can share the same schedule, allowing Kevin to move through his day on Max's shoulders.  Although Max is initially ridiculed in the advanced classes, Kevin puts a stop to that by announcing one day that they, together, are to be referred to as "Freak the Mighty".  This amuses the class, and Kevin and Max achieve a bump in social status. 

Because of Kevin, Max also learns what it means to laugh and have fun.  Although one might wonder if a book with such serious subject matter might struggle to find opportunities for comic relief, Philbrick managed to do it, as in this scene where Max has gotten choked on his lunch and Freak is trying to assist:

"Expel the object!" Freak shouts. "Regurgitate, you big moron!" and he gives me another thump and I cough up this yucky mess, but I'm still laughing so hard my nose is running.

The most poignant example of Kevin's influence occurs after his death, when Max sits down to write a memoir of his time with his friend.  This is the most dramatic of transformations, if one remembers the withdrawn, disinterested, demoralized Max of the novel's beginning, because, thanks to Kevin, the Max of the novel's ending is ready to explore his ideas and feelings in writing, on his own, free of the negative self-image that used to dominate his thoughts. 

What are Max's initial thoughts about Freak in Freak the Mighty?

Max's first impression of Kevin when he moves in next door is that he is pretty sure Kevin wants him to die!  Max has vague memories of Kevin from day care.  Then, Kevin was known as the robot boy for his leg braces and funny noises; and Max was known as Kicker for all the damage he did to the other children.  Max had not seen Kevin for years when he sees Kevin on move-in day.  He is shocked to see a tiny boy ordering around the movers with his crutches:

. . . there's this weird-looking little dude, he's got a normal sized head, but the rest of him is shorter than a yardstick and kind of twisted in a way that means he can't stand up straight and makes his chest puff out, and he's waving his crutches around and yelling up at the movers.

Even though Max tries to be sneaky and keep from being spotted--he is not only shocked to see a friend from day care days, but also he is intrigued by Kevin's beautiful mother--he manages to make a commotion because of his clumsiness.  When Kevin spots him and yells for Max to identify himself, Max panics and runs away.  The abnormally huge Max is genuinely afraid of the abnormally small Kevin:

You have to see the look in his eye. Man, that little dude really hates me. He wants me to die.

In Freak the Mighty, Rodman Philbrick's protagonist, Maxwell (Max) Kane, opens the novel telling readers exactly what he thinks of himself:

I never had a brain until Freak came along and let me borrow his for a while, and that's the truth, the whole truth.

This is the first time readers come in contact with Max, but it is already quite obvious that he does not think very highly of himself. In the same paragraph, Max admits that Kevin Avery (otherwise known as Freak), his best friend, does most of the talking when required. Max does speak, but it is with his "fists and feet." It seems that Max, at least in the opening of the novel, does not recognize the power of words. By physically attacking his rivals and foes, Max only uses physical violence. Therefore, while he recognizes his ability to change his circumstances by physically attacking those who confront him, he does not seem as sure of himself when it comes to a battle of wits or words. In allowing Kevin to speak on his behalf, Max demonstrates that he thinks himself unworthy of an intellectual battle with others.

Max also thinks he is a bad person, because he reminds people of his father (this is a bad thing, because his father murdered his mother). As people make references to how he physically resembles his father, Max begins to think he may turn out like his father. This lowers Max's self-esteem. Even his grandparents are wary of him, because they think he might do something to them at night. All of this also plays into how Max feels about himself.

Max has an incredibly low opinion of himself, and that is evident right from the first few chapters.  He repeatedly calls himself a "butthead" in those first two chapters.  He also thinks that he is a moron and completely incapable of any kind of constructive thinking.  

Not that I have any ideas. My brain is vacant, okay?

That's really low self esteem.  He thinks his brain is completely vacant.  On top of that, he thinks he is odd looking.  But to make matters worse, he's not only odd looking, but he looks like his father.  That's bad, because his father murdered Max's mom.  

Another clue to Max's low self esteem is "The Down Under."  Max lives in the basement of his grandparents' house.  It's got crummy wood paneling everywhere, is dark, and all around not a pretty place.  But Max likes it down there, because it accurately reflects his vision of himself.  

How do Max and Freak perceive each other in Freak the Mighty?

Max and Freak (Kevin) are best friends. They seem like the two most unlikely boys to become friends, but, actually, it works out well for the both of them. In the beginning, Max, who is also the narrator, says that he "never had a brain until Freak came along" (1). That is to say that Kevin actually teaches Max how to use his brain to read and to write. Kevin believes in Max when other adults and teachers believed that he should be in the learning-disabled classes. Kevin gives Max the tools to become his own man, gain confidence in himself, and believe that he can learn just like anyone else can. Max, therefore, regards Kevin with great respect, love, and appreciation.

Freak, on the other hand, gets a horse out of the deal. Because Kevin is stricken with the effects of a birth defect, he doesn't grow normally, and he can't walk or even stand like other kids. When Max picks him up and carries him around on his shoulders, Freak has the time of his life! He even accidentally tells Max to raise his hoof at one point, leading the reader to infer that Freak likes to pretend that Max is a horse. Together, they call themselves Freak the Mighty because each one makes up for the other's weaknesses. Furthermore, Max believes Kevin is the smartest boy he knows and Kevin appreciates Max for hauling him around school and on all the quests they go on together.

In Freak the Mighty, what does Max like?

It takes readers a few chapters to start realizing that Max likes anything. When we are introduced to him, he comes across as a brooding, angst filled young teen. Based on the first few chapters, a reader could probably claim that the only thing Max likes is being alone in his basement bedroom.

That all starts to change once Kevin enters his life. The two boys couldn't be physically any more different, and there is a clear difference in their intelligence levels; however, they both have a grand sense of adventure. As the two boys spend more and more time together, it becomes clear that Max enjoys learning. He is fascinated by all of the knowledge that Kevin seems to have. This love for learning is obvious to Kevin, and that is probably why Kevin makes Max a very unique dictionary. Max also loves to imagine himself and Kevin on all kinds of crazy adventures. This just shows that Max has, and likes, a sense of play. If you are looking for a specific piece of text that has Max flat out announcing something that he likes, then look to the beginning of chapter six. He clearly expresses his feelings about the Fourth of July.

I love the Fourth.

In Freak the Mighty, what does Max dislike?

Many of Max's dislikes in Freak the Mighty can be linked to his severe low self-esteem issues. 

From the beginning chapters, we know that Max doesn't like himself for a couple of reasons. He refers to himself as a "butthead," "brainless," and "dumb." This could be due to the fact that he has been labeled as learning disabled and gets treated differently at school. We also know that he doesn't particularly like school and allows Kevin to answer all of the questions. This is even after the teacher probes Max to answer - he answers by putting his head down and letting Freak continue. 

Max is also very self-conscious of his appearance. He is very large for his age and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. His appearance really bothers him for the fact that he looks exactly like his father. This makes his grandparents particularly uncomfortable, since his father - which we learn later in the novel - actually killed Max's mom. We really learn how much Max looks like his dad when he ends up actually startling Freak's mom when they first moved to the neighborhood. 

Max's friendship with Freak, however, helps him overcome these issues when Freak gifts him with the journal so that he can write all of his adventures down. Furthermore, Freak helps him feel closure regarding his past with his dad. 

Why is Max bothered by Freak's speech in Freak the Mighty?

In Rodman Philbrick's novel Freak the Mighty, Max is not so much bothered by Freak's speaking as he is amazed by it. Max has never encountered anyone who speaks like Freak, whose real name is Kevin. There is no textual evidence to support that Max is bothered by his speech. Consider the following quotes: 

"That's how he talked, like right out of a dictionary. So smart you can hardly believe it. While he's talking he's winding up the bird-thing. There's this elastic band inside, and he goes, 'Observe and be amazed, earthling.' And then he lets go. And you know what? I am amazed, because it does fly just like a little bird, flitting up and down and around, higher than I can reach." 

"This is the first time for me, hearing Freak really talk, and right away I know one thing: when he's talking, you can't take your eyes off of him. His hands are moving, and it's like he's really seeing it, this story about an old king." 

"I think so, but I like hearing Freak talk, so I go, 'better tell me,' and that's when I find out why he's so interested in some clanky old knights." 

These quotes show Max's awe of Freak's vocabulary and speech, but don't support any irritation he feels with Freak's speech. 

Freak's vocabulary is incredibly advanced, and certainly beyond Max's experience. Freak does a good job explaining the words to him, and Max is able to pick up others through the context of Freak's speeches. Here's an example: 

"Pardon my vocabulary. Sobriquet means 'nickname,' and demeanor means 'expression.' I merely postulated that you call your grandfather 'Grim' because he's grim. Postulate means—'

'I know.' I say. Which is a lie, except I can guess what he means, figure it out that way.

Considering Max's learning disability, and subsequent dislike for books, it would be reasonable to infer that Max is bothered by Freak's speech; however, an inference must use the textual evidence plus the reader's background knowledge to form an educated guess. The textual evidence doesn't support Max being bothered by Freak's speech.

How does Freak portray himself as fierce to Max in Freak the Mighty?

Max Kane is the biggest and most dangerous boy in child care. He is known as "Kicker," since he constantly kicks at anyone who tries to "throw a hug on me." When he first sees Kevin, Max remembers him as "fierce." It is a combination of things that make Kevin stick out from the other kids and keeps Max from kicking the little boy himself. Kevin's legs are twisted, but Max thinks Kevin's crutches are "cool," and he is even more impressed when Kevin uses them for other than walking--like when he swung them at the other kids, and one day "whacked the little brat pretty good." When Kevin's crutches are replaced by leg braces--"metal tubes right up to his hips"--Max thinks they are "even more cool than crutches." Kevin prefers to be known as "Robot Man," and he pretends to be one,

... making these weird robot noises... Rrrr... rrrr... rrrr... like he had robot motors inside his legs.  (Chapter 1) 

Kevin also maintains "this look" that burns "right through you." It says

... don't mess with me, man, maybe I got a laser cannon hidden inside these leg braces...  (Chapter 1)

Years later when the two boys next meet, the Robot Boy's fierceness remains. Pointing a crutch at Max, Kevin

... pulls the trigger on that crutch and makes a weapon noise, and he goes, "Then die, earthling, die!"  (Chapter 2)

It drives Max to "motor out of there without saying a word."

What story does Freak tell Max at their first meeting in Freak the Mighty?

This is a confusing question because most of the adventures of Max and Kevin as "Freak the Mighty" happen during the summer before eighth grade as well as during their eighth grade year.  In reality, the two "meet" long before that during their first years of daycare.  When the two "meet," Kevin is quick to tell the story of "Robot Man" as a description of himself.  Kevin, as a very tiny child of age six or seven, has been crippled from birth due to a severe birth defect.  Kevin hobbles around with crutches because he has “shiny braces strapped to his crooked legs."  In order to combat his deformity, Kevin describes himself as "Robot Man" with special robotic powers.  As a result, the children on the daycare playground don't mess with Kevin.  Max is impressed.  The irony of this story is that Max is very likely the reason why Kevin feels compelled to tell his "Robot Man" story.  At this point, Max has the reputation as and nickname of "Kicker" because Max will "boot anyone who dared to touch him.”  It is likely that Kevin tells the inspiring "Robot Man" story so that Max won't "boot" Kevin.

What is Max's opinion of Kevin in Freak the Mighty?

The answer to this question depends on where you are in the novel. For example, Max feels differently about Kevin when he first meets him in daycare as opposed to the end of the novel when Max desires to immortalize his best friend.

At the beginning of the novel, we hear about a memory of Max during his first years of daycare. Max is the bully at school and nicknamed “Kicker” because he would “boot” anyone who touched him. Max is intrigued by Kevin, though. Max does not bully Kevin for a couple of reasons. At this point, Max’s opinion of Kevin is that he is crippled; therefore, it would be inappropriate to bully him. Max also has at least a slight interest in Kevin because he creatively calls himself “Robot Man” because he has “shiny braces strapped to his crooked legs.”

Max’s respect for Kevin grows and grows until the end of the novel when Kevin passes away from his condition. Because of Kevin, Max has gained self-confidence. In fact, Max has enough confidence in himself to immortalize his best friend, Kevin, by writing down the stories of their adventures.

Describe Max's personality in Freak the Mighty.

In Rodman Philbrick's novel Freak The Mighty, Maxwell Kane is the narrator. He is a quiet kid who lives in the basement of his grandparent's home. He is what most would consider a loner before he meets Kevin. He has a reading disability which is something Kevin helps him with. He has issues regarding his father, who is in jail for murdering Max's mother. Max has the size of his father but none of the rage or meanness. He is ashamed to be known as his son. He is afraid to discover the truth about his father and afraid that he may be like his father in some way. 

He is not like his father. In fact, Kevin calls him a "pacifist" at one point. When Max is confronted by bullies, he does not retaliate in any way. He embraces the role of Kevin's protector and enters Kevin's world in which the two boys are knights who right the wrongs they see in the world. 

Max is devastated when Kevin dies. The book is set up as a retrospective tribute to Kevin and how he changed Max's life for the better. 

What method does the writer use to show Max's development in Freak the Mighty?

Probably one of the most interesting “methods” that the author uses to develop the character of Max is the use of dramatic irony. Dramatic irony, of course, is when a character does not know something that the reader does know. From the beginning of the novel, the reader knows that Max is actually a good kid who simply lacks self-esteem. Of course, from the very beginning, Max does not even know what self-esteem is. Max simply thinks he is a bad kid who is “dumb” and has a bad father. Sometimes Max even doubts whether he is a “real person.” The reader knows from the very beginning that Max is definitely a real person who only bullies kids in daycare as a way of “acting out” due to the tragedy in his life. Max is actually quite smart. For example, Max not only knows how to retrieve Kevin’s toy from the tree but also knows that putting Kevin on Max’s shoulders would help them both. It is Max who actually creates “Freak the Mighty.” Although it is true that Max has a father who is a criminal and a murderer, Max proves that he is completely unlike his father. Not only does Max learn to love Kevin as a best friend but also chooses to immortalize Kevin, after Kevin’s tragic death, through written word.