Maniac Magee Character and Theme Analysis

In Chapter Nine of 'Maniac McGee' by Jerry Spinelli, John McNab, a skilled pitcher, is frustrated by his inability to strike out Maniac McGee. McNab and his gang, the Cobras, decide to confront Maniac. They find him near the tracks and give chase. Maniac cleverly evades them, running through various terrains and eventually crossing into the East End, a boundary that separates racial communities. The Cobras stop at the boundary, laughing at the thought of Maniac entering the East End, highlighting the racial tensions and divisions in the town.

What was John McNab's initial reaction to not being able to strike out the kid?

• He ignored the incident.

• He wanted to befriend the kid.

• He decided to practice more.

• He thought about beating the kid up.

What did the Cobras call themselves?

• The Snakes

• The Cobras

• The Vipers

• The Rattlers

How did the Cobras react when they saw the kid running on the rail?

• They were stunned.

• They were impressed.

• They were indifferent.

• They were amused.

What did Maniac do to escape the Cobras?

• He called for help.

• He ran through various obstacles.

• He hid in a house.

• He climbed a tree.

What did Maniac notice about the faces in the windows as he ran through town?

• Each face was in its own personal frame.

• Each face was identical.

• They were all frowning.

• They were all smiling.

What did Maniac feel as he passed by the houses and faces?

• A sense of belonging.

• A sense of joy.

• A sense of fear.

• A sense of longing for a place to belong.

Why did the Cobras stop at Hector Street?

• They were tired.

• They lost sight of Maniac.

• They wanted to regroup.

• They were afraid of crossing into the East End.

What was the significance of Hector Street?

• It was a popular shopping area.

• It was the boundary between East and West ends.

• It was where Maniac lived.

• It was a famous tourist spot.

What did the Cobras think would happen to Maniac in the East End?

• He would not survive.

• He would get lost.

• He would find new friends.

• He would be welcomed.

What was the Cobras' reaction when they stopped at Hector Street?

• They were laughing.

• They were silent.

• They were confused.

• They were angry.