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Chapter 18
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Maniac Magee, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Myth, Reality, and Heroism
Racism
Love, Loss, and Home
Human Dignity, Connection, and Community
Summary
Analysis
The legend of Cobble’s Knot goes like this: Mr. Cobble was running a struggling corner grocery store. One day he noticed a giant knot dangling from the flagpole in front of his store. He decided that he’d offer a prize to anyone who could untangle the knot. He’d call the newspaper and get lots of free publicity. The contest scheme kept Cobble in business, except that nowadays, he’s running a pizza joint. And to this day, nobody has successfully untied the knot. It’s about the size of a volleyball and has thwarted a future magician and a future pickpocket.
Cobble’s knot is part of the legendary landscape of Two Mills. Amanda senses that if Maniac could unravel this famous knot, he’ll be accepted as a true member of the community.
Themes
Amanda convinces Maniac that if he successfully unties the knot, he’ll become a hero, and nobody will mess with him. Maniac teases Amanda that she just wants the pizza prize, since she knows Maniac is allergic. But then he agrees to try.
Untying the knot is a meaningless gesture on the surface, but Amanda’s plan shows her love for Maniac and her determination to help him find a permanent place in the community.
Themes
