Original artwork, not a still
Where the Wild Things Are ‧ 1963
Let the wild rumpus start!
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Max has just proved he can tame things bigger than himself, and the first thing he does with power is throw a party, not a punishment. The line is the sound of a child's temper turned into play. It is shouted at birthday parties, concert openers and the start of any chaos someone has agreed to enjoy, long after most people forgot the rest of the book.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Where the Wild Things AreShow the scene
Max, sent to bed without supper in his wolf suit, has sailed to the island of the Wild Things and stared them down without blinking, so they crown him the king of all wild things. His first royal act comes as the picture breaks out of its white frame: "And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!" The wordless spreads that follow show the monsters and Max howling, swinging and parading, until Max grows tired of it and sends everyone to bed without their supper. The book won the 1964 Caldecott Medal.
Sources (2)
- Where the Wild Things Are (Wikipedia)Plot summary; awardsReference checked
- Maurice Sendak (Wikiquote)Where the Wild Things Are (1963) entryReference checked
Context reviewed