context

Question 1

where did the character of peter originate from?

Answer 1

Barrie lost his older brother and as a result became unsure of his mother’s love for him. Barrie then met two brothers and became their legal guardian as they had lost their mother. They used to play many make-believe games together such as pirates with them.

Question 2

when was peter pan first written?

Answer 2

1904

Question 3

what era was the play set in?

Answer 3

Edwardian London

Question 4

what are the themes portrayed in peter pan?

Answer 4

-refusing to grow up
-becoming an adult
-motherhood

Question 5

how is the theme of refusing to grow up shown?

Answer 5

peter pan refuses to grow up and so cant die, he is portrayed as being complex then other representations as he cries due to feeling rejected by his mother

Question 6

how is the theme of becoming an adult shown?

Answer 6

wendy wants to enjoy her childhood and quickly realises that peter is incapable of loving which causes wendy to go home and grow up as thats whats fulfilling as a human

Question 7

how is the theme of motherhood shown throughout the play?

Answer 7

barrie lost her older brother in an ice skating incident and his mother took to her bed inconsolable and he dressed up in his clothes and imitated him. the jealousy and emptiness of peters character links to barrie’s childhood