Discussion Topic

Killer Kane's Role and Revelations in Freak the Mighty

Summary:

In Freak the Mighty, Grim reveals to Max that his father, Kenny "Killer" Kane, is "an accident of nature," and that Max's positive traits come from his mother, emphasizing that Max is nothing like his father despite their physical resemblance. Killer Kane, who murdered Max's mother, kidnaps Max but is eventually recaptured and sent back to jail. This conversation is crucial for Max's self-esteem, as it reassures him of his inherent goodness and counters his fear of becoming like his father.

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What does Grim reveal about Killer Kane in Freak the Mighty?

I believe that this question is asking about a conversation that happens between Max and Grim in chapter 21. The conversation occurs near the end of the chapter after readers find out that Killer Kane must serve out the rest of his previous sentence plus an additional ten years. Grim tells Max that Killer Kane is a accident of nature and that Max is nothing like him. Grim then tells Max that the only things he got from his dad were his looks. Everything else, especially his heart, he got from his mother. While this conversation may be brief, it is hugely important for Max's mental and emotional health. Max knows that his own grandparents are wary of him because of the way that he looks. Additionally, Gwen's initial reaction to Max was one of fear based on his looks.

This chapter also sees Kevin's condition quickly becoming worse and...

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worse. Max may have survived his father's kidnapping, but his life still appears to be spiraling out of his control. His grandfather's kind words are a very needed emotional boost to a kid who really struggles to see himself in any kind of positive light.

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What happens to Kenny "Killer" Kane in Freak the Mighty?

The answer to your question is that Kenny “Killer” Kane is put back in jail. At the beginning of the book, we learn that Max lives with his “Grim and Gram” because his dad is incarcerated. At one point, Max is called into the principal’s office where he learns that his dad is going to be let out of jail on parole. This news makes Max fall into hysterics. (The news also causes Grim and Gram to consider having a gun in their house to keep the family safe.)  Eventually, Kenny “Killer” Kane kidnaps Max on Christmas Eve and takes him to an abandoned building where Kane ties Max to a boiler. Loretta Lee unties Max while Kevin squirts Kane with “acid” from a squirt gun. As Max and Kevin run from Kenny “Killer” Kane as their dual character of “Freak the Mighty,” the two lead Kane out into the street where “a million cops” are waiting for him. The police take Kane back to jail. Max is safe and “Freak the Mighty strikes again!”

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