Peter Pan: "The Island Come True" - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key elements of J.M. Barrie’s “The Island Come True” chapter from Peter Pan.
Themes / Big Ideas
- The Power of Belief & Imagination: Neverland thrives on belief. When Peter is away, the island “wakes” less vividly; when he returns, it bursts with life. This highlights how imagination fuels the world and its inhabitants.
- Childhood vs. Adulthood: The Lost Boys’ desire for a mother, contrasted with Peter's prohibition of the topic, represents the tension between clinging to childhood innocence and growing up. The pirates’ plan involving cake also touches on adult concerns (and dangers) that the boys don't understand.
- The Dangers of Growing Up: Peter actively “thins out” the boys who grow too old, demonstrating a fear of losing the magic and freedom associated with childhood.
- The Nature of Evil: Hook is presented as a complex villain – elegant, intelligent, but ultimately driven by revenge and cruelty. The chapter explores the motivations behind his wickedness.
- The Importance of Play & Adventure: The constant cycle of pursuit (boys chasing pirates, pirates chasing boys, etc.) emphasizes the playful and chaotic nature of Neverland.
- The Fragility of Life: The ease with which pirates are killed and the boys disappear into their underground home underscores the precariousness of existence in Neverland.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Pluperfect | Grammar | A verb tense expressing an action completed before another past action. |
| Lethargy | Noun | A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy. |
| Seething | Verb | To be filled with intense emotion or activity; bubbling over. |
| Gallant | Adjective | Brave, heroic, or noble; also courteous and refined. |
| Countenance | Noun | A person’s face or facial expression. |
| Humblest | Adjective | Having a low opinion of oneself; modest. |
| Bent | Adjective | Fixed or determined in purpose. |
| Truest | Adjective | Most accurate; most faithful. |
| Cadaverous | Adjective | Very pale, thin, or sickly. |
| Blackavized | Adjective | Made dark or blackened; likely referring to a darkened complexion. |
| Raconteur | Noun | A skilled storyteller. |
| Indomitable | Adjective | Impossible to subdue or defeat. |
| Aped | Verb | To imitate closely; mimic. |
| Contrivance | Noun | A clever plan or device; something constructed. |
| Petulantly | Adverb | In a childishly sulky or bad-tempered way. |
| Huskily | Adverb | In a low, rough voice. |
| Curdling | Adjective | Causing a feeling of fear or disgust. |
| Exultation | Noun | Great joy; triumphant pride. |
| Dire | Adjective | Extremely serious or urgent. |
| Plaintive | Adjective | Expressing sorrow; mournful. |
| Awestruck | Adjective | Filled with reverence and wonder. |
Quotes to Look For
- “We ought to use the pluperfect and say wakened, but woke is better and was always used by Peter.” – Illustrates the importance of Peter’s influence on Neverland's reality and language.
- “if you put your ear to the ground now, you would hear the whole island seething with life.” – Emphasizes the vibrancy of Neverland when Peter is present.
- “All wanted blood except the boys, who liked it as a rule, but to-night were out to greet their captain.” – Highlights the boys’ shifting priorities based on Peter's return.
- “Peter never quite knew what twins were, and his band were not allowed to know anything he did not know…” – Shows Peter’s limited understanding of the world and his control over the Lost Boys.
- “Poor kind Tootles, there is danger in the air for you to-night.” – Foreshadows trouble for Tootles and introduces Tink’s mischievous intent.
- “He was never more sinister than when he was most polite, which is probably the truest test of breeding.” – Reveals Hook’s complex and unsettling character.
- “I want Peter Pan, who first gave the brute its taste for me.” – Demonstrates Hook’s obsession with revenge.
- “What would Peter do?” – Shows the boys’ reliance on Peter and their desire to emulate him.
- “Peter would look at them through his legs.” – A quirky example of Peter’s unconventional methods.
- “Tink’s reply rang out: “Peter wants you to shoot the Wendy.” – Illustrates Tink's jealousy and manipulation.
This study guide should help you analyze the key themes, characters, and events in “The Island Come True.” Remember to consider how Barrie uses language and imagery to create the magical world of Neverland.