Rodman Philbrick wrote "Freak the Mighty" in 1993 as a way to explore themes of friendship, acceptance, and overcoming adversity.
The novel follows the story of two unlikely friends: Max, a large, intellectually challenged boy, and Freak, a small, highly intelligent boy with a rare genetic disorder. Despite their physical and intellectual differences, the two form a close bond and become known as "Freak the Mighty." Together, they embark on adventures and overcome challenges, ultimately teaching each other valuable lessons about acceptance and self-worth.
One reason Philbrick wrote "Freak the Mighty" was to address the theme of friendship. In the novel, Max and Freak's relationship is one of mutual support and understanding, as they each bring their own unique strengths to the friendship. Through their adventures together, they learn to value and appreciate each other's differences, and ultimately become closer as a result.
Another theme that Philbrick explores in the novel is acceptance. Both Max and Freak face challenges due to their differences, and must learn to embrace their individual strengths in order to succeed. By demonstrating the importance of acceptance, Philbrick encourages readers to embrace their own differences and to see the value in others who may be different from them.
Finally, Philbrick wrote "Freak the Mighty" to address the theme of overcoming adversity. Both Max and Freak face significant challenges in their lives, but they are able to overcome these challenges through their friendship and their determination. In doing so, they serve as an inspiration for readers to never give up, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Overall, Rodman Philbrick wrote "Freak the Mighty" as a way to explore themes of friendship, acceptance, and overcoming adversity. Through the story of Max and Freak, he encourages readers to value and appreciate differences, to embrace their own strengths, and to never give up in the face of adversity.
