Blank Journal
When Kevin gives Max a blank journal he also effectively give him a new beginning by instructing him to fill it up with "with our adventures." This is Max's chance to start a new story in his life and put everything that happened with his mom and dad past him. The journal is also symbolic of Kevin’s post-humus attempt at making amends with his best friend who he has wounded deeply with his lies.
Freak’s dictionary
Reading is a great source of joy for Kevin, as he possesses extraordinary intelligence. Books as it allows him to live out adventures that he cannot participate in because of his condition. Max however sees books and reading as intimidating because he thinks of himself as stupid, going through great lengths to avoid it. Kevin doesn’t share Max’s opinion of himself though seeing in his large friend a great, untapped potential. In order to have Max see his own potential, Kevin creates for him a dictionary written in terms that would easily be understood by Max in order to encourage him to read more. The dictionary symbolizes Max’s growth and development as a person.
Kevin's Ornithopter
The toy bird is pivotal in the lives of the two young men as it was the plot device that brought them together and as such Max even brings it with him to the hospital to comfort his dying friends. The Ornithopter is emblematic of their collective desire for freedom: Kevin, to be freed of his weak, diseased body, and Max, freedom from his tragic past and perception of himself as stupid.
King Arthur
Freak looks towards King Arthur’s story as an echo of his own life, at least that’s how he sees it. Freak believes that his condition is temporary and that he, like the fictional king, is also destined for greatness. King Arthur also symbolizes Kevin’s bright outlook for the future, implicitly desiring to be given an opportunity--despite what the doctors say--to grow up from a weak, sick child into a strong, brave knight who inspires others to greatness. King Arthur represents something else for Max however. He symbolizes the opening of an entirely new path for the young man, finally having overcome his fear of reading and writing by having filled up the blank journal.
“The Down Under”
The “Down Under” is what Max calls the basement where he spends a great deal of time in when he is sad and/or afraid, which was often before he met the diminutive Kevin. The down under is symbolic of the great grief, fear, and shame that he has endured and lived with for so long. The down under is not a pleasant place as Max describes. He hides there because it is easier for him to hide rather than face up to the ugly realities of his life.
