Freak the Mighty Theme Writing
Themes are unifying ideas which are repeated and developed throughout a novel. Most well told stories contain one or
more themes. Identifying and exploring themes can enrich our appreciation of the book or movie, by helping us notice
the way the author has reinforced his or her points, building layers of meaning through use of metaphors and
symbolism.
The value of teamwork
Much is made of the benefits Max and Kevin each gain from collaboration with each other. In what ways does the pair
demonstrate the truth behind the saying, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts?” Cite examples that effectively
reinforce this message of the value of teamwork.
Being judged by our actions/deeds
Even before we meet Kenny Kane, we are told that Max closely resembles his jailed father. This physical similarity and
the sometimes unquestioned assumption that children will naturally behave as their parents did, gives rise to the
concern (in both Max and his grandfather) that Max will behave like his father.
In a number of ways, Freak the Mighty argues that biology is not destiny, suggesting that we have a choice about being
good or bad. Identify some of the actions/deeds Max might be judged by in this novel. Does he prove his worthiness?
How does this support the theme?
Rising above our limitations
One theme in the novel Freak the Mighty is that rising above our limitations is possible. What are some of the limitations
faced by Max and Kevin? How do the two boys rise above these limitations?
Telling the Truth
In Freak the Mighty, Kevin hides his true diagnosis from Max with tales of soon receiving a bionic body. Was this the
right thing to do? Using well developed examples from the text and from your own personal experiences, argue whether
it is okay to hide the truth or even lie if you have someone else’s best interests at heart.
Name:
Date:
Hour:
Outline for Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: One theme in the novel Freak the Mighty is that rising above our limitations is possible.
What are some of the limitations faced by Max and Kevin? How do the two boys rise above these
limitations?
Introduction Paragraph: (Beginning with a Thesis Statement)
________
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion:
Writing Prompt: Even before we meet Kenny Kane, we are told that Max closely resembles his jailed father. This
physical similarity and the sometimes unquestioned assumption that children will naturally behave as their parents did,
gives rise to the concern (in both Max and his grandfather) that Max will behave like his father.
In a number of ways, Freak the Mighty argues that biology is not destiny, suggesting that we have a choice about being
good or bad. Identify some of the actions/deeds Max might be judged by in this novel. Does he prove his worthiness?
How does this support the theme that biology is not destiny?
Introduction Paragraph: (Beginning with a Thesis Statement)
________
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion:
Name:
Date:
Hour:
Outline for Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: Much is made of the benefits Max and Kevin each gain from collaboration with each
other. In what ways does the pair demonstrate the truth behind the saying, “The whole is greater
than the sum of its parts?” Cite examples that effectively reinforce this message of the value of
teamwork.
Introduction Paragraph: (Beginning with a Thesis Statement)
________
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion:
Name:
Date:
Hour:
Outline for Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: In Freak the Mighty, Kevin hides his true diagnosis from Max with tales of soon
receiving a bionic body. Was this the right thing to do? Using well developed examples from the text
and from your own personal experiences, argue whether it is okay to hide the truth or even lie if you
have someone else’s best interests at heart.
Introduction Paragraph: (Beginning with a Thesis Statement)
________
I.
A.
B.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion: