Peter Pan: "Come Away, Come Away!" - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key elements of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan chapter, “Come Away, Come Away!” focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter introduces many of the core themes that run throughout Peter Pan. Pay attention to these as you read:
- The Magic of Childhood & Loss of Innocence: The chapter centers around Peter’s world, a realm fueled by belief and imagination. The idea that fairies “fall down dead” when children stop believing highlights the fragility of childhood wonder. Peter’s refusal to grow up is central, and his fear of becoming a man represents a resistance to the responsibilities and realities of adulthood.
- The Power of Stories & Imagination: Peter doesn’t have stories; he seeks them out. This emphasizes the importance of narrative and creativity in shaping our lives. Wendy’s ability to tell stories is immediately valued by Peter and the lost boys.
- The Desire for Family & Belonging: Peter lacks a traditional family and seeks companionship, particularly through the lost boys. He initially dismisses mothers but quickly recognizes Wendy’s nurturing qualities and the value she brings.
- The Contrast Between Reality & Fantasy: The chapter constantly juxtaposes the mundane world of the Darling household with the fantastical realm of Neverland. The parents’ attempts to maintain order and normalcy are contrasted with Peter's chaotic, free-spirited existence.
- Conceit & Self-Absorption: Peter is undeniably proud and self-centered. He takes credit for Wendy’s actions, forgets her help, and generally prioritizes his own desires. This is presented as both charming and frustrating.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Exquisitely | Adverb | Beautifully and delicately made or done. |
| Embonpoint | Noun | Fullness of figure; plumpness. |
| Rummaged | Verb | Searched unsystematically and thoroughly. |
| Appalled | Adjective | Filled with shock and dismay. |
| Patronisingly | Adverb | In a way that feels superior; condescending. |
| Exulting | Verb | Rejoicing greatly. |
| Indignant | Adjective | Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. |
| Rapturously | Adverb | In a state of great joy or delight. |
| Humiliating | Adjective | Causing someone to feel ashamed or foolish. |
| Cockier | Adjective | Arrogant; boastful. |
| Hauteur | Noun | Proud and aloof behavior; arrogance. |
| Imperiously | Adverb | In a commanding or arrogant manner. |
| Defray | Verb | Provide financial support for. |
| Agitated | Adjective | Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous. |
| Primness | Noun | Stiffly formal and excessively proper behavior. |
| Cunning | Adjective | Clever or skillful, often in a deceitful way. |
| Indignant | Adjective | Filled with or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment. |
| Superb | Adjective | Of the highest quality; magnificent. |
Quotes to Look For & Analyze
These quotes are important for understanding the chapter’s themes and character development. Consider why Barrie chose these words, what they reveal about the characters, and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the story.
- “There was another light in the room now, a thousand times brighter than the night-lights…It was not really a light; it made this light by flashing about so quickly, but when it came to rest for a second you saw it was a fairy…” – This quote establishes the magical atmosphere and introduces Tinker Bell. How does Barrie’s description of the light emphasize the otherworldly nature of fairies?
- “He had carried Tinker Bell part of the way, and his hand was still messy with the fairy dust.” – This detail is crucial. What does it suggest about Peter’s relationship with magic and his ability to share it?
- “I don’t know,” he replied uneasily, “but I am quite young.” He really knew nothing about it, he had merely suspicions, but he said at a venture, “Wendy, I ran away the day I was born.” – This quote reveals Peter’s avoidance of reality and his desire to remain a child. What does it tell us about his character?
- “I don’t want ever to be a man,” he said with passion. “I want always to be a little boy and to have fun.” – This is Peter’s core motivation. How does this statement define his character and the world he inhabits?
- “She was frightfully sorry for Peter. “How awful!” she said, but she could not help smiling when she saw that he had been trying to stick it on with soap.” – This quote highlights Wendy’s nurturing nature and her amused tolerance of Peter's childish behavior.
- “It is humiliating to have to confess that this conceit of Peter was one of his most fascinating qualities.” – This is a key insight into Barrie’s portrayal of Peter. Why does he find Peter's arrogance appealing?
- “Wendy, one girl is more use than twenty boys.” – This quote demonstrates Peter’s immediate recognition of Wendy's value and his desire for her companionship.
- “You see, children know such a lot now, they soon don’t believe in fairies, and every time a child says, ‘I don’t believe in fairies,’ there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead.” – This quote emphasizes the importance of belief and imagination. What does it suggest about the consequences of growing up?
- “Come,” he cried imperiously, and soared out at once into the night, followed by John and Michael and Wendy. – This quote marks the turning point of the chapter. What does it foreshadow about their adventure?
This study guide should help you delve deeper into the meaning of “Come Away, Come Away!” and prepare for further exploration of Peter Pan. Remember to consider the context of each quote and how it relates to the broader themes of the story.