Literary Elements
What is the setting of a story? Give one example of how setting can affect the plot.
The time and place of a story; for example, a story set during a storm might create danger or tension for the characters.
Identify the adverb: Freak spoke confidently to the class.
confidently
Identify the type: Max ran to the basement.
Simple
What type of figurative language? Max was as tall as a tree.
Simile
What nickname does Kevin give to Max when they become friends?
Earthling, and later, “Freak the Mighty.”
What is the theme of a story?
The central message, moral, or life lesson the author wants readers to understand.
Which word is a pronoun in this sentence? They helped Max carry the book home.
they
Identify the type: Max wanted to help Kevin, but Kevin had already climbed the steps.
Compound
What type? The wind sang through the empty streets.
Personification
Why does Max live with Grim and Gram?
His father is in prison.
Who is the protagonist in Freak the Mighty and what internal conflict does he face?
Max is the protagonist; he struggles with low self-esteem and fear of becoming like his father.
Identify the adjectives: The brilliant, brave boy led the way.
Brilliant, brave
Identify the type: Because it was dark, Max turned on the flashlight.
Complex
What type? Kevin’s brain was a computer, always running.
Metaphor
What is the first adventure Freak and Max go on together?
They retrieve Freak’s ornithopter from a tree.
Identify the type of conflict: A girl struggles with whether to tell the truth about her friend.
Character vs. Self (internal conflict).
Identify the verb in the sentence: Max, the main character of the story, is friends with Freak.
is
Identify the type: Kevin made a plan, and Max followed it because he trusted him.
Compound-complex
What type? I’ve told you a million times!
Hyperbole
How does Freak help Max during their adventures?
He rides on Max’s shoulders, gives directions, teaches him new words, and helps him feel brave and intelligent.
What is the resolution in a story, and how is it different from the climax?
The resolution shows how the conflict is solved or how things end, while the climax is the story’s most intense turning point.
Identify the function of each word: Kevin quickly grabbed the dictionary.
Kevin = noun; quickly = adverb; grabbed = verb; the = adjective; dictionary = noun.
Combine the sentences into a compound-complex sentence:
Kevin loved words. He knew dictionaries are important. He wanted to be ready for any challenge.
Kevin loved words, and he wanted to be ready for any challenge because he knew dictionaries are important.
What type? “Great,” said Max, as he tripped over the robot parts.
Verbal irony
What is the meaning of the metaphor that Max is Freak's horse?
Provides him freedom to have various experiences.