Peter Pan: "The Flight" - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 3, "The Flight," from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.
Themes / Big Ideas
- The Loss of Innocence/Growing Up: The chapter marks a significant shift from the carefree world of imagination to the harsh realities of Neverland. The children initially revel in flying, but gradually face danger, fear, and the realization that their adventure isn’t all fun and games.
- The Imperfect Hero: Peter is presented as a flawed hero – irresponsible, self-absorbed, and sometimes cruel. He prioritizes his own amusement over the safety of Wendy, John, and Michael. This challenges the traditional heroic archetype.
- The Power of Belief/Imagination: The Neverland is initially accessible through belief and a bit of direction. However, as the children experience its true nature, they realize it's more than just a figment of their imagination. The island itself seems to guide them, suggesting the power of collective belief.
- Dependence vs. Independence: The children increasingly rely on Peter, but also recognize his unreliability. Wendy’s concern for her brothers highlights the need for responsibility and self-reliance in a dangerous environment.
- The Nature of Fairies: Tinker Bell's character is complex and reveals the fickle nature of fairies. She’s driven by her emotions (jealousy) and operates according to fairy logic, which isn't always benevolent.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Implicitly | Adverb | In a way that is understood but not stated. |
| Contempt | Noun | The feeling of deep dislike or hatred. |
| Jolly | Adjective | Cheerful and happy. |
| Mutual | Adjective | Existing or experienced by both sides. |
| Odd | Adjective | Strange or unusual. |
| Engrossed | Verb | Completely occupied with something. |
| Irritating | Adjective | Annoying or frustrating. |
| Agitatedly | Adverb | In a restless, nervous manner. |
| Anon | Adverb | Soon; shortly after. |
| Eerie | Adjective | Strange and frightening. |
| Laboured | Adjective | Done with great effort or difficulty. |
| Tremulously | Adverb | Shaking or quivering with fear or excitement. |
| Huskily | Adverb | In a low, rough voice. |
| Rented | Verb | Split apart violently. |
| Benevolent | Adjective | Well meaning and kindly. |
Quotes to Look For
- “Second to the right, and straight on till morning.”: This quote exemplifies Peter’s whimsical and unreliable guidance.
- “Peter, you see, just said anything that came into his head.”: This establishes Peter’s character as impulsive and carefree, but also potentially dangerous.
- “He could sleep in the air without falling…but this was, partly at least, because he was so light that if you got behind him and blew he went faster.”: This highlights Peter’s unique abilities but also a somewhat comical explanation.
- “‘There he goes again!’ he would cry gleefully, as Michael suddenly dropped like a stone.”: This demonstrates Peter’s lack of concern for the children's safety.
- “‘We could go on, for we don’t know how to stop.’”: This quote reveals the children's growing dependence on Peter and their lack of agency.
- “‘I’m Wendy,’ she said agitatedly.”: This illustrates Peter's forgetfulness and Wendy's desperation to be remembered.
- “‘There it is,’ said Peter calmly.”: This contrasts with the children's initial excitement and foreshadows the challenges to come.
- “‘They don’t want us to land,’ he explained.”: This introduces the first real threat on Neverland.
- “‘If only one of us had a pocket,’ Peter said, ‘we could carry her in it.’”: This shows Peter’s simple solutions and lack of foresight.
- “Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time.”: This explains Tinker Bell’s motivations and the nature of fairies.
- “What she said in her lovely tinkle Wendy could not of course understand, and I believe some of it was bad words…”: This hints at Tinker Bell’s malicious intent.
This study guide should help you analyze the key themes, characters, and events in "The Flight" chapter of Peter Pan. Remember to consider how these elements contribute to the overall story and its message.