Maniac Magee
Chapter 19
by Spinelli, JerryThe chapter introduces Cobble’s Knot, a legendary tangle of string that became the eighth wonder of the world in the town of Two Mills. Originally discovered by Mr. Cobble, the owner of a struggling grocery store, the Knot was left hanging from a flagpole as a marketing ploy. Offering a prize to anyone who could untie it, Mr. Cobble hoped to attract customers. Over time, the Knot gained fame, and the prize evolved from candy to a year’s supply of pizza, as the store transitioned from groceries to a pizza shop. The Knot became a symbol of challenge and prestige.
Cobble’s Knot was no ordinary tangle; its complexity was compared to the brain of Albert Einstein, with countless twists and turns. Despite numerous attempts by locals, including a future magician and a pickpocket, no one could unravel it. Each failed attempt only added to its mystique and the glory awaiting the eventual victor. The Knot was so valuable that Mr. Cobble kept it hidden, bringing it out only for challengers. Its reputation as an unsolvable puzzle made it a central part of the town’s folklore.
Amanda, a character in the story, sees the Knot as an opportunity for Maniac Magee to prove himself and gain acceptance in the community. She convinces him that solving the Knot would make him a local hero, ensuring no one would trouble him again. Her enthusiasm contrasts with Maniac’s skepticism, as he jokingly accuses her of being motivated by the pizza prize. Despite his teasing, Maniac agrees to attempt the challenge, recognizing the potential benefits of succeeding where so many others had failed.
The chapter sets the stage for Maniac’s confrontation with Cobble’s Knot, blending humor, local history, and the promise of redemption. The Knot serves as a metaphor for the challenges Maniac faces in fitting into a new community. Amanda’s belief in him highlights the theme of trust and the power of perseverance. The playful banter between the characters adds warmth to the narrative, while the Knot’s enduring mystery keeps readers intrigued about whether Maniac will succeed in unraveling it.
FAQs
1. What was Cobble’s Knot, and why was it significant to the story?
Answer:
Cobble’s Knot was an incredibly complex tangle of string that hung outside Cobble’s Corner Grocery (later a pizza shop). Originally discovered by Mr. Cobble, it became a local legend when he offered a prize to anyone who could untie it, hoping to attract business. Over time, the challenge grew in prestige, with the prize changing from candy to a year’s supply of pizza. Its significance lies in how it represents an unsolvable local mystery—until Amanda suggests Maniac Magee attempt it, believing his success would make him a town hero and earn him respect.2. How did Mr. Cobble’s initial idea for Cobble’s Knot evolve over time?
Answer:
Mr. Cobble initially saw the Knot as a marketing gimmick to boost his struggling grocery store. He offered a small prize (60 seconds at the candy counter) and hoped newspaper coverage would draw customers. Over the years, as the Knot remained unsolved, its reputation grew. The store shifted from groceries to pizza, and the prize became more substantial—a large pizza weekly for a year. The Knot itself became so valuable that Mr. Cobble kept it hidden, only bringing it out for challengers, turning it into a lasting local tradition.3. Why does Amanda believe untying Cobble’s Knot will help Maniac Magee?
Answer:
Amanda thinks solving Cobble’s Knot will make Maniac a local legend. She argues that his picture in the paper and the fame from accomplishing this impossible task would earn him widespread admiration and protection from anyone who might “mess with him.” Her motivation isn’t just the pizza prize (which Maniac jokingly accuses her of wanting) but the social capital and safety that come with being the Knot’s conqueror. This reflects the chapter’s theme of using extraordinary feats to gain acceptance in a divided community.4. What does the description of Cobble’s Knot reveal about its complexity?
Answer:
The Knot is described as having “more contortions, ins and outs, twists and turns and dips and doodles than the brain of Albert Einstein,” comparing its intricate tangles to genius-level complexity. Its size and shape (a lopsided volleyball) and composition (string) make it seem deceptively simple, but its history of defeating even skilled individuals like a future magician and pickpocket underscores its near-impossible difficulty. This vivid description builds anticipation for Maniac’s attempt, suggesting that untying it would require extraordinary skill or luck.5. How does the chapter use humor in the interaction between Amanda and Maniac?
Answer:
The humor arises from Maniac’s teasing remark that Amanda might just want the pizza prize (since he can’t eat it due to his allergies or preferences), which makes her screech and playfully hit him. Their lighthearted banter contrasts with the Knot’s serious legacy, showing their friendship’s warmth. Maniac’s eventual agreement to try—delivered with a grin—adds a playful tone to the high-stakes challenge, making their dynamic relatable and endearing while advancing the plot.
Quotes
1. “If the Wonders of the World hadn’t stopped at seven, Cobble’s Knot would have been number eight.”
This opening line establishes the legendary status of Cobble’s Knot in the town’s folklore, comparing it to the ancient wonders of the world. It sets the stage for the challenge that becomes central to the chapter’s plot.
2. “It was made of string, but it had more contortions, ins and outs, twists and turns and dips and doodles than the brain of Albert Einstein himself.”
This vivid description emphasizes the impossible complexity of Cobble’s Knot, explaining why it remained undefeated for so long. The comparison to Einstein’s brain adds humor while underscoring its reputation as an unsolvable puzzle.
3. “‘So you see,’ said Amanda, ‘if you go up there and untie Cobble’s Knot — which I know you can — you’ll get your picture in the paper and you’ll be the biggest hero ever around here and nooo-body’ll mess with you then.’”
Amanda’s persuasive speech reveals the social stakes of the challenge, showing how solving the Knot could transform Maniac’s status in the community. This moment serves as the chapter’s turning point where Maniac agrees to attempt the feat.
4. “Maniac listened and thought about it and finally gave a little grin. ‘Maybe you’re just after the pizza, since you know I can’t eat it.’”
This playful exchange between Maniac and Amanda reveals their growing friendship and Maniac’s perceptive humor. It also hints at the racial dynamics in the story (with Maniac being white and Amanda Black), as the pizza prize holds different value for them.