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This is a story about three children - Wendy, John, and Michael - who encounter a mystical
boy named Peter Pan and his accompanying fairy, Tinker Bell. Peter comes to them as they are
sleeping and tells them to come with him to a magical place called Neverland. They agree
and fly for days to reach the island.
The island is home to magical and non-magical creatures. Most notably are the lost boys,
pirates, redskins, and mermaids. There is a rhythm to the island where the lost boys
are trying to catch up to Peter, the pirates, led by Captain James Hook, are chasing the
lost boys, the redskins are chasing the pirates, and the beasts are chasing the redskins. Around
and around they go, occasionally fighting. Meanwhile, there's a crocodile, who ate Hook's
right hand, that continues to hunt down Captain Hook. (Tic-toc-tic-toc)
When the children arrive, the lost boys want Wendy to be their mother, which she accepts.
They play games and she cleans and cooks for them.
When Captain Hook hears that the lost boys have a new mother, he decides to capture her
to be mother of the pirates (Kind of creepy). After capturing all of the children, Peter
saves them and Captain Hook gets eaten by the crocodile.
Eventually the children return home, where they are sorely missed by their parents. As
time passes, Wendy grows up and has a daughter, Jane. Peter returns, but is horrified that
Wendy has grown up. Instead, Peter takes Jane to Neverland.
It is difficult to read this story after watching the Disney version. And while this story is
directed to children, as proof through the narrative style and language, it is rather
violent. (Pirate heads in water)
The mythos of Peter Pan is whimsical, as justifications in Neverland are just accepted. Faeries are
born from babies' laughter; happy thoughts makes one fly. Things are as they are.
Some may say this story stereotypes women in the role of homemaker and servant to men.
The women in this story are not strong characters. However, one could argue that the story elevates
women, highlighting their abilities of compassion and love.
There are several lines that are memorable, the greatest of which is "To Die will be an
awfully big adventure." So think happy thoughts and fly.