Maniac Magee
Chapter 37
by Spinelli, JerryChapter 37 of *Maniac Magee* chronicles a series of extraordinary feats performed by the titular character, further solidifying his legendary status in the town. Maniac demonstrates his seemingly superhuman abilities by hitting a telephone pole with a stone 61 times in a row, outrunning a freight train while balancing on a single rail, and fearlessly navigating a rat-infested dump. His daring acts culminate in sticking his arm into a mysterious, feared hole and kissing a baby buffalo at the zoo, all of which astonish the townspeople and amplify his mythic reputation.
The chapter highlights how Maniac’s exploits serve different purposes for different groups. For most townspeople, his deeds are simply additions to his growing legend, a natural progression of his larger-than-life persona. However, for Russell and Piper McNab, Maniac’s feats are a means to elevate their own status among their peers. They position themselves as the orchestrators of his stunts, likening their role to that of a lion tamer controlling a wild beast, thereby basking in the reflected glory of Maniac’s achievements.
Maniac himself is acutely aware of his role in this dynamic. He recognizes that the McNab brothers are using him to bolster their social standing, yet he continues to perform their challenges willingly. His compliance is partly motivated by the understanding that his presence ensures the McNabs attend school regularly—a non-negotiable condition for their education. Additionally, Maniac genuinely enjoys the thrill of these dares, embracing them as personal tests of his courage and skill.
The chapter takes a darker turn as the McNabs escalate their demands, culminating in their most dangerous dare yet: they challenge Maniac to enter the East End, a perilous and racially divided part of town. This sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the story, hinting at the deeper conflicts and risks Maniac will face as he navigates the complexities of the community’s divisions and his own place within it.
FAQs
1. What were some of the heroic feats Maniac Magee performed in this chapter, and what do they reveal about his character?
Answer:
Maniac Magee performed several extraordinary feats, including hitting a telephone pole with a stone 61 times in a row, running on a single rail to beat a freight train, walking through a rat-infested dump, sticking his arm into a mysterious hole by the creek, and kissing a baby buffalo at the zoo. These feats demonstrate his fearlessness, physical skill, and willingness to take on challenges others would avoid. They also highlight his unique, almost legendary status in the town, as he consistently pushes boundaries and defies expectations. His actions suggest a blend of confidence, recklessness, and a desire to prove himself.2. How do Russell and Piper McNab benefit from Maniac Magee’s feats, and what does this reveal about their relationship with him?
Answer:
Russell and Piper McNab use Maniac Magee’s feats to boost their own status among their peers, positioning themselves as the “tamers” of his legendary abilities. They direct his actions and take credit for his accomplishments, which elevates their social standing. However, the chapter also reveals a transactional aspect to their relationship: Maniac understands he is being used but continues performing feats because his presence ensures the McNab brothers attend school regularly. This dynamic shows a mutual dependency—Maniac provides the McNabs with social capital, while they give him a sense of purpose and challenge.3. Why might the author have included the detail about Maniac kissing the baby buffalo, and how does it contribute to the theme of legend-building in the story?
Answer:
The baby buffalo feat is particularly symbolic because it involves an act of tenderness (a kiss) in a dangerous context (a bison pen). This juxtaposition reinforces Maniac’s unique blend of bravery and gentleness, key traits of his legend. The feat also stands out because it was self-proposed, with others initially scoffing at the idea, which underscores his confidence and unpredictability. This moment, like his other feats, contributes to the town’s perception of him as a larger-than-life figure, blurring the line between reality and myth. The legend grows not just through his actions but through the way others interpret and amplify them.4. How does the chapter illustrate the idea of “payment” or exchange in Maniac’s relationship with the McNab brothers?
Answer:
The chapter explicitly frames Maniac’s feats as a form of “tuition” he pays to ensure the McNab brothers attend school. For them, public education isn’t free—it requires Maniac’s weekly demonstrations of bravery. This exchange highlights the transactional nature of their bond: Maniac provides spectacle and status, while the McNabs offer him challenges and a reason to stay engaged. The arrangement also subtly critiques the brothers’ values, as they prioritize entertainment over education unless it comes with a price. Maniac’s willingness to participate suggests his need for connection, even if it’s exploitative.5. Why is the dare to go into the East End described as the “most perilous challenge of all,” and what might it foreshadow for the story?
Answer:
The East End is implied to be a dangerous or forbidden area, making this dare more significant than Maniac’s physical feats. Unlike his other challenges, which tested his skills or courage, this one likely involves social or racial tensions (hinted at by the book’s broader themes). The peril lies not just in physical risk but in crossing unseen boundaries. This foreshadows a shift in the story from lighthearted legend-building to more serious conflicts, possibly involving community divisions. It suggests Maniac’s actions may soon have consequences beyond personal bravery, impacting his relationships and the town’s dynamics.
Quotes
1. “Thus began a series of heroic feats by Maniac Magee.”
This opening line sets the tone for the chapter, introducing the extraordinary actions that define Maniac’s legend and the escalating challenges he undertakes.
2. “To much of the town, hearing about these things, it was simply a case of the legend adding to itself, doing what legends do.”
This quote captures the mythic quality surrounding Maniac’s actions, showing how his reputation grows beyond reality and becomes part of local folklore.
3. “Was it not at the brothers’ direction that Maniac Magee performed these deeds? And who after all is the more amazing, the lion or the tamer?”
This insightful passage reveals the complex power dynamics between Maniac and the McNab brothers, questioning who truly holds control in their relationship.
4. “He also understood that without him, they would not be going to school every day. For the McNabs, there was nothing free about public education. A tuition had to be paid. Every week Maniac paid it.”
This quote shows Maniac’s self-awareness and sacrifice, highlighting how he uses his feats to ensure the McNab brothers’ education while enjoying the challenges himself.
5. “And then one day they gave him the most perilous challenge of all. They dared him to go into the East End.”
This climactic line introduces the chapter’s turning point, foreshadowing a dangerous new challenge that breaks from Maniac’s previous physical feats to confront racial divisions.