When I did 'Bumble-ardy,' I was so intensely aware of death. Eugene, my friend and partner, was dying here in the house when I did 'Bumble-ardy'. I did 'Bumble-ardy' to save myself. I did not want to die with him. I wanted to live, as any human being does.
In this quote, Maurice Sendak, the author of the beloved children's book 'Where the Wild Things Are', reflects on his experience writing 'Bumble-ardy', a play that was performed while his friend and partner Eugene was dying. Sendak reveals that he wrote the play to cope with his own mortality and the impending loss of his friend.
The quote highlights the importance of creative expression as a means of coping with mortality and the loss of loved ones. Sendak's words also underscore the human desire to leave a lasting legacy and to find meaning in the face of adversity.
The quote provides a glimpse into the personal struggles and creative process of Maurice Sendak, a renowned children's book author and illustrator. The historical context of the quote is the 1960s and 1970s, when Sendak was at the height of his creative powers and was producing some of his most iconic works.
Maurice Sendak was a Polish-American illustrator and author of children's books. He is best known for his iconic book 'Where the Wild Things Are', which has become a classic of children's literature. Sendak's work is characterized by its emotional depth, imaginative storytelling, and beautiful illustrations.