And the wild things roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws.
Maurice SendakRead
I don't write for children. I write and someone says it's for children.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that the author does not specifically target children in their writing; rather, their work is interpreted as suitable for children by others.
Maurice Sendak's quote reflects the idea that artistry and creative expression are not confined to specific audiences. It suggests that when an artist creates, their intention may not be to reach a particular demographic, but the interpretation and reception of their work can vary. Sendak highlights the subjective nature of art and literature, as others may label his creations as 'for children', despite his own perspective. This speaks to the broader theme of how individuals engage with art based on their own experiences and perceptions.
Themes
ArtWritingChildrenInterpretationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about children's literature at a book club.
More from Maurice Sendak
All quotes βFrom their earliest years children live on familiar terms with disrupting emotions, fear and anxiety are an intrinsic part of their everyday lives, they continually cope with frustrations as best they can. And it is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming Wild Things.
Maurice SendakRead
I'm totally crazy, I know that. I don't say that to be a smartass, but I know that that's the very essence of what makes my work good. And I know my work is good. Not everybody likes it, that's fine. I don't do it for everybody. Or anybody. I do it because I can't not do it.
Maurice SendakRead
That always seemed to be the most critical test that a child was confronted with - loss of parents, loss of direction, loss of love. Can you live without a mother and a father?
Maurice SendakRead
One of the few graces of getting old - and God knows there are few graces - is that if you've worked hard and kept your nose to the grindstone, something happens: The body gets old but the creative mechanism is refreshed, smoothed and oiled and honed. That is the grace. That is what's happening to me.
Maurice SendakRead
To get a child's trust - you may know or not - is a very hard thing to do. They're so used to not believing adults - because adults tell tales and lies all the time.
Maurice SendakRead
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