What Is The Rising Action Of Freak The Mighty

Okay, so picture this: you're watching a movie, right? The opening scene is all calm and peaceful – maybe there's some sunshine, birds are chirping, the main character is just chilling. Then bam! something happens. A hint of trouble. A mysterious letter arrives. A shadowy figure lurks in the background. That little spark that ignites the fuse of the story? That's kind of like the beginning of the rising action.

And that brings me to the book Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick! If you've read it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't, get ready for a heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) story of friendship and adventure.

What's This "Rising Action" Thing, Anyway?

So, what exactly is rising action? Well, in storytelling terms, it's the part of the story where the tension starts to build. It's where the characters encounter problems, face challenges, and make decisions that propel the plot forward. Think of it like climbing a rollercoaster. You're slowly going up, up, up, with that feeling of anticipation (or dread, depending on your fear of heights!), knowing that a big drop is coming.

Basically, the rising action is all the stuff that happens *after* the initial setup (introducing the characters and the setting) and *before* the climax (the most exciting or important part of the story). Got it? Good!

Psst! Don't worry if you're still a little confused. We're going to break down the rising action in Freak the Mighty step-by-step.

The Spark: Max Meets Kevin

In Freak the Mighty, the rising action really kicks off when Max, a big, awkward kid with a learning disability, meets Kevin (aka Freak), a brilliant, but physically challenged boy. Before Kevin, Max is just "Max the Mighty," living in his grandparents' basement and struggling to navigate the world. He's basically hiding from life, haunted by his past (we'll get to that later!).

Kevin, on the other hand, bursts into Max's life like a miniature, vocabulary-laden tornado. Remember when they first interacted in daycare? Kevin using his crutches to "spear" Max? That was the start of their relationship. And their adventures only got crazier from there!

This initial meeting is *crucial* because it sets the stage for the entire story. Without Max and Kevin's friendship, there's no Freak the Mighty, right?

Key Events That Light the Fuse

Moving Next Door: Kevin and his mom, Gwen, move in next door to Max and his grandparents. This proximity allows their friendship to blossom. Can you imagine if they lived miles apart? The story would be completely different!
The Ornithopter Incident: When Kevin gets his ornithopter stuck in a tree, Max is the one who climbs up to retrieve it, establishing their dynamic: Max provides the muscle, Kevin provides the brains. Their talents and limits are on full display early in the story.
Questing for Treasure: Kevin, inspired by Arthurian legends, convinces Max to go on "quests" with him. These quests take them all over town, encountering various challenges and adventures. Let the journey begin!

The Challenges Begin

As Max and Kevin become closer, they face a series of challenges that test their friendship and force them to grow. These challenges are essential for building the tension and driving the plot forward.

More Than Just Quests

Blade and His Gang: Their quests aren't always smooth sailing. They encounter Blade and his gang, who are bullies and pose a threat to both Max and Kevin. This introduces an element of danger and conflict. You might ask yourself, where are the adults?!
The "Damsel in Distress": Remember when they saved Loretta Lee? Max and Kevin find Loretta Lee's purse and return it, getting them involved in a situation with Iggy Lee (Loretta's partner) and revealing a glimpse into a darker side of the neighborhood. This illustrates that their world isn't all sunshine and rainbows and fun.
Learning Difficulties: Max continues to struggle in school, despite Kevin's attempts to help him. This highlights the challenges that Max faces due to his learning disability and emphasizes the importance of Kevin's support. Sometimes, the biggest battle is the one you face inside your own head!

The Dark Cloud of the Past

Throughout the rising action, the shadow of Max's past looms large. We learn that Max's father is in prison and that he has a history of violence. This creates a sense of unease and foreshadows potential danger.

Hints and Whispers

Grim and Gram's Anxiety: Max's grandparents, Grim and Gram, are clearly worried about Max turning out like his father. Their constant vigilance and hushed conversations create an atmosphere of tension and suspense. It makes you wonder, what exactly did Max's father do?
Max's Memories: Max has fragmented memories of his father, some of which are disturbing. These memories hint at a troubled past and suggest that Max may be carrying a heavy burden. Poor Max!
The Freakmobile: Remember how Kevin's gifts could improve Max's life? Even something as simple as a dictionary showed us that Kevin was helping Max grow as a person.

The Rollercoaster Climbs Higher

As the rising action progresses, the tension continues to build. The stakes get higher, and the challenges become more difficult. Max and Kevin's friendship is tested, but it also becomes stronger.

The Turning Point

The Fourth of July Incident: This is a *major* turning point in the rising action. Blade and his gang corner Max and Kevin at the Fourth of July fireworks display. Max, driven by a surge of adrenaline and a desire to protect Kevin, finally confronts his fears and fights back. This is the moment when Max truly begins to come into his own.
Grim's Gift: It's not enough to buy someone a gift. Grim decides to buy Max a computer. A physical tool to help Max overcome his learning difficulties and better express himself.
Killer Kane's Parole: The news that Max's father, Killer Kane, is being released on parole sends shockwaves through the story. This is the moment when the dark cloud of the past becomes a full-blown storm. This is the part where you start yelling at the book, "No! No! No!"

Why It Matters

All of these events – Max and Kevin's initial meeting, their adventures, the challenges they face, and the looming threat of Killer Kane – are crucial for building the rising action in Freak the Mighty.

Without the rising action, the climax of the story (when Killer Kane kidnaps Max) would not have the same impact. The rising action creates a sense of anticipation and dread, making the climax all the more shocking and suspenseful.

Furthermore, the rising action allows us to see Max and Kevin grow and develop as characters. We witness their friendship deepen, their courage strengthen, and their resilience shine. These are the qualities that ultimately allow them to overcome the challenges they face.

So, What's the Takeaway?

The rising action in Freak the Mighty is a masterclass in storytelling. It's a carefully constructed series of events that build tension, develop characters, and set the stage for a powerful climax. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, friendship, courage, and imagination can triumph.

And isn't that what all great stories are about?