Peter Pan: "The Happy Home" - Study Guide
This chapter focuses on the establishment of a domestic life in Neverland, and explores themes of family, identity, make-believe versus reality, and Peter's complicated relationship with responsibility. It also introduces tensions within the Lost Boys and Wendy’s attempts to create order.
Themes / Big Ideas
- The Illusion of Family: The chapter heavily explores the idea of what constitutes a family. Peter attempts to create one with Wendy and the Lost Boys, but it's built on pretense. The boys struggle to define their roles and Peter resists the permanence of a true familial bond.
- Make-Believe vs. Reality: The entire existence on Neverland is based on imagination, but the children begin to crave a sense of normalcy and structure. Wendy's efforts to create a "home" highlight the tension between fantasy and the desire for real-world comforts.
- Peter's Immaturity & Avoidance of Responsibility: Peter enjoys the adoration and control he receives as "Great White Father," but actively avoids any genuine responsibility or emotional connection. He's terrified of being seen as "old" by becoming a real father figure.
- The Power Dynamics & Colonial Undertones: The relationship between Peter and the Native Americans (specifically Tiger Lily) is problematic. Peter's acceptance of being called "Great White Father" and the Native Americans’ subservience reflect colonial power dynamics.
- The Desire for Belonging: The Lost Boys desperately want to belong and find a place within the family structure, leading to conflict over roles (father, baby, twin).
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Prostrating | Verb | Bending the body in reverence or worship |
| Tit-bits | Noun | Small pieces of food; snacks |
| Condescendingly | Adverb | Acting as if one is superior to another |
| Grovelled | Verb | Crawling or lying on the ground in submission |
| Remonstrated | Verb | To protest or object mildly |
| Tartly | Adverb | In a sharp, brief, and somewhat unfriendly way |
| Progeny | Noun | Offspring; descendants |
| Nettled | Verb | Annoyed or irritated |
| Appalled | Verb | Shocked and dismayed |
Quotes to Look For
- “The great white father,” he would say to them in a very lordly manner, as they grovelled at his feet, “is glad to see the Piccaninny warriors protecting his wigwam from the pirates.” – Illustrates Peter’s inflated ego and the power dynamic with the Native Americans.
- “Father knows best,” she always said, whatever her private opinion must be. – Shows Wendy’s loyalty and attempt to maintain order despite her own doubts.
- “He is not really our father,” John answered. “He didn’t even know how a father does till I showed him.” – Highlights the children's awareness of Peter’s immaturity and their questioning of his role.
- “As I can’t be anything important,” said Tootles, “would any of you like to see me do a trick?” – Demonstrates the Lost Boys’ desire for attention and belonging.
- “It is sweet, Peter, isn’t it?” Wendy said, frightfully gratified. “Peter, I think Curly has your nose.” – Shows Wendy’s desire to create a family and her attempts to find similarities between Peter and the boys.
- “It is only make-believe, isn’t it, that I am their father?” – Reveals Peter's fear of commitment and his understanding that the family structure is not real.
- “Those of a devoted son, Wendy.” – Peter’s evasive answer to Wendy's question about his feelings for her.
- “You silly ass!” cried Tinker Bell in a passion. – Shows the strong emotions and personalities of the characters, even those who are small.
- “Their ignorance gave them one more glad hour; and as it was to be their last hour on the island, let us rejoice that there were sixty glad minutes in it.” – Foreshadows impending danger and emphasizes the fleeting nature of their happiness.