The Walls of Max's Bedroom (Metaphor)
As Max conjures a forest out of his imagination, Sendak writes that "the walls became the world all around." This metaphor comparing Max's walls to the lush canopy of a jungle carries both literal and symbolic weight. The metaphorical comparison indicates that Max's bedroom is no longer a prison devoid of supper, but rather a space on his own terms, where he can process his emotion. At the same time, Sendak shows through his illustrations that this transformation is literally occurring. Max's bedroom actually transforms into a forest. Thus Sendak masterfully blurs the line between imagination and reality.
