Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
Questions for Philosophical Discussion
by
Claudia Catalano
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One night a forest grows in Max's room.
- Do you think the forest was real? Why/Why not?
- How can we tell if the forest is real or not?
- Could the forest be real to some people but not to other people?
- If you think something is real, does that make it real?
- If everyone agrees something is real, does it have to be real?
- Can something be real for you but no one else?
When Max is at home, his mother makes the rules. But when he goes to where thewildthings are, he's in charge.
When do you have to listen to other people's rules?
- Do you feel powerless then? Does that feelbad? Is anything good about it?
- Do you ever get to make the rules? When?
- Do you feel powerful in these situations? Does that feel good? Is there anything bad about it?
- Would you like to make all the rules all the time?
Max is lonely and wishes he were where someone loved him best of all.
- Can you think of a time when you felt lonely?What made you feel lonely? (around the circle)
- Can you think of time you felt loved? What made you feel loved? (around the circle)
- Do the wild things love Max?
- Does Max's mom love Max?
- Can you feel loneliness and love at the same time?
- Can you be lonely even if you are with other people?
- Can you feel loved all by yourself?
