“Where the Wild Things Are” is a classic children’s book written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. First published in 1963, the book has since become a beloved classic, inspiring generations of children and adults alike with its imaginative story and imaginative illustrations. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the book, along with explanations of their significance.
- “And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.” – This quote, which appears at the beginning of the book, sets the stage for the journey that Max takes to the land of the Wild Things. It highlights the importance of feeling loved and wanted, and the lengths we may go to in order to find those feelings.
- “Let the wild rumpus start!” – This quote, which is shouted by Max as he arrives in the land of the Wild Things, captures the sense of excitement and adventure that characterizes the story. It also symbolizes the release of pent-up energy and emotions, and the freedom that comes from embracing one’s wild and untamed nature.
- “And when Max came to the place where the wild things are, they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws.” – This quote describes the fearsome appearance of the Wild Things, and the sense of awe and wonder that Max feels upon encountering them. It also highlights the power and majesty of these wild creatures, and the sense of danger that they embody.
- “But Max said, “Be still!” And tamed them with a magic trick.” – This quote shows Max’s newfound power and confidence as he interacts with the Wild Things. Through his use of a magic trick, he is able to calm the wild creatures and gain their respect and admiration.
- “And the wild things cried, “Oh please don’t go! We’ll eat you up! We love you so!” – This quote, which appears near the end of the story, shows the depth of the bond that has formed between Max and the Wild Things. Although they initially threatened to eat him, they have come to love and care for him, and they do not want him to leave.
- “And Max, looking around, realized that he was home.” – This quote, which appears at the end of the story, highlights the sense of belonging and comfort that Max has found in the land of the Wild Things. Through his adventures, he has discovered a sense of home and community that he has not found elsewhere.
- “And Max, tucking in his wolf suit, still in his fantastic dreams, sailed off through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are.” – This quote, which appears at the end of the book, underscores the imaginative and fantastical nature of the story. Through Max’s journey, we see that the world of the Wild Things is not limited by time or space, but exists in a realm of pure imagination.
In conclusion, the quotes from “Where the Wild Things Are” offer a window into the imaginative and fantastical world of the story. They highlight themes of loneliness, adventure, power, love, and belonging, and they remind us of the importance of embracing our wild and untamed nature. Whether read as a child or as an adult, these quotes have the power to inspire and delight, and to spark the imagination.
