Study Guide for Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are from Course Hero

****

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is a beloved children's book that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. The story follows Max, a young boy who sails away to an island inhabited by wild things. There, he becomes their king and experiences a series of adventures.

Where the Wild Things Are is a classic work of children's literature. It has been praised for its imaginative storytelling, its beautiful illustrations, and its exploration of complex themes such as childhood, loneliness, and the power of imagination.

This study guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Where the Wild Things Are. You will learn about the book's plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. You will also find discussion questions and suggested activities that can help you to delve deeper into the book's meaning.

Study Guide for Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	832 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	31 pages

FREE

Plot Summary

Where the Wild Things Are tells the story of Max, a young boy who is sent to bed without supper. In a fit of anger, Max sails away to an island inhabited by wild things. The wild things are initially frightened by Max, but they soon come to accept him as their king.

Max enjoys his time on the island. He plays with the wild things, eats their food, and sleeps in their nests. However, Max eventually begins to miss his home. He decides to return to his room, where he finds his supper waiting for him.

When Max wakes up the next morning, he is not sure if his adventures on the island were real or just a dream. However, he knows that he will never forget his time with the wild things.

Characters

• Max: Max is the protagonist of Where the Wild Things Are. He is a young boy who is sent to bed without supper. In a fit of anger, Max sails away to an island inhabited by wild things. Max is a complex character. He is both naughty and kind, selfish and generous. He is ultimately a lovable character who is trying to find his place in the world.
• The Wild Things: The wild things are the inhabitants of the island where Max sails away to. They are large, furry creatures with sharp claws and teeth. The wild things are initially frightened by Max, but they soon come to accept him as their king. The wild things represent Max's own wild and untamed emotions.
• Carol: Carol is Max's younger sister. She is a kind and gentle girl who loves Max very much. Carol represents Max's own sense of innocence and vulnerability.

Themes

• Childhood: Where the Wild Things Are is a story about childhood. It explores the joys and challenges of being a child. Max's adventures on the island can be seen as a metaphor for the journey of childhood. He learns about himself, his emotions, and his place in the world.
• Loneliness: Max is a lonely boy. He is sent to bed without supper and has no one to play with. His adventures on the island are a way for him to escape his loneliness. However, Max eventually learns that true happiness cannot be found in isolation.
• The Power of Imagination: Max's imagination is a powerful force. It allows him to create a whole new world for himself. His adventures on the island are a testament to the power of imagination.

Symbolism

• The Island: The island represents Max's own inner world. It is a place where he can be free to be himself.
• The Wild Things: The wild things represent Max's own wild and untamed emotions.
• Carol: Carol represents Max's own sense of innocence and vulnerability.
• The Supper: The supper represents Max's need for love and acceptance.

Discussion Questions

• What do you think Where the Wild Things Are is about?
• What is the significance of the island?
• What do the wild things represent?
• What does Carol represent?
• What is the significance of the supper?
• How does Max change throughout the story?
• What lessons does Max learn on the island?

Suggested Activities

• Draw a map of the island.
• Create a character sketch of Max.
• Write a poem about the wild things.
• Act out a scene from the story.
• Compare and contrast Where the Wild Things Are to another children's book.

****

Where the Wild Things Are is a classic work of children's literature that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. The story is a celebration of childhood, imagination, and the power of love. This study guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the book. You have learned about the book's plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. You have also found discussion questions and suggested activities that can help you to delve deeper into the book's meaning. We hope that you have enjoyed this study guide and that it has helped you to appreciate the richness of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.

Study Guide for Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	832 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	31 pages

FREE