Peter Pan: "The Return Home" - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from J.M. Barrie’s "The Return Home" chapter of Peter Pan.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter heavily reinforces several core themes present throughout the novel:
- The Conflict Between Fantasy and Reality: The chapter highlights the jarring return to the mundane world after the adventures in Neverland. The children struggle with readjustment, and even their parents have difficulty fully grasping the reality of what has happened.
- The Power & Pain of Memory: Memories are unreliable and selective. The children's recollections of home are fading, while Mrs. Darling clings to the idea of her children more than their actual presence initially.
- Parental Love & Sacrifice: Mr. and Mrs. Darling demonstrate profound love through their actions – Mr. Darling’s self-imposed punishment in the kennel, and Mrs. Darling's unwavering hope and acceptance. The chapter explores how parental love can be both enabling and restrictive.
- Growing Up & Loss of Innocence: The children's return signifies a step towards maturity, but it’s also a loss of the carefree magic they experienced in Neverland. The chapter subtly hints at the inevitable changes that come with growing up.
- Peter’s Selfishness & Need for Belief: Peter's actions in this chapter reveal his desire to keep Wendy and the magic alive, even if it means deceiving her family. He needs their belief in him to sustain his own existence.
- The Nature of Storytelling & the Narrator’s Role: The narrator frequently interjects with commentary, questioning motivations and highlighting the complexities of the situation. This emphasizes the constructed nature of stories and the author's power to shape perception.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Stirring | Verb | Moving or being active; awakening. |
| Stumps | Noun | Legs (used playfully, referring to the children’s movements) |
| Nautical | Adjective | Relating to ships, sailors, or the sea. |
| Hitching | Verb | Fastening with a knot; moving jerkily. |
| Bo’sun | Noun | Boatswain; the officer in charge of a ship's hull, rigging, and anchors. |
| Tars | Noun | Sailors (slang). |
| Fo’c’sle | Noun | Forecastle; the forward part of a ship below deck. |
| Lashing | Verb | Binding or fastening securely with rope or cord. |
| Hearties | Noun | Brave sailors; comrades. |
| Scum | Noun | Worthless or despicable people. |
| Strident | Adjective | Loud and harsh; grating. |
| Azores | Noun | A group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. |
| Round Robin | Noun | A petition signed by many people. |
| Obedience | Noun | Compliance with an order, request, or law. |
| Perplexed | Adjective | Completely baffled; confused. |
| Lull | Verb | Calm or soothe to sleep. |
| Wickedest | Adjective | Most evil or morally bad. |
| Exterminated | Verb | Destroy completely; put an end to. |
| Filmy | Adjective | Thin and translucent; hazy. |
| Deference | Noun | Respectful submission or politeness. |
| Implicitly | Adverb | Completely; fully. |
| Quixotic | Adjective | Extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical. |
| Magnificent | Adjective | Very grand or impressive. |
| Inwardly | Adverb | Internally; in one’s thoughts or feelings. |
| Torture | Noun | Extreme physical or mental suffering. |
| Scaled | Verb | Climbed up (often referring to a wall or obstacle). |
| Upbraid | Verb | Reprimand severely. |
| Jaggy | Adjective | Having sharp, uneven edges or points. |
| Remorse | Noun | Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. |
| Implicitly | Adverb | Completely; fully. |
| Envelop | Verb | Surround or enclose completely. |
| Frightful | Adjective | Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrifying. |
| Sneer | Verb | To show contempt or scorn in a mocking way. |
| Barred | Verb | Closed off with a barrier. |
Quotes to Look For
- “So long as mothers are like this their children will take advantage of them; and they may lay to that.” – This quote encapsulates the theme of parental enabling.
- “Instant obedience was the only safe thing.” – Illustrates Peter’s controlling nature and the fear he instills in the Lost Boys.
- “The general feeling was that Peter was honest just now to lull Wendy’s suspicions…” – Reveals the Lost Boys' distrust of Peter and their understanding of his manipulative tactics.
- “She does not really need to be told to have things ready, for they are ready. All the beds are aired…” – The narrator’s commentary on Mrs. Darling's preparedness highlights her unwavering love and anticipation.
- “I like her best. Suppose, to make her happy, we whisper to her in her sleep that the brats are coming back.” – Shows the narrator’s sympathy for Mrs. Darling and his desire to bring her joy, despite knowing it might spoil the surprise.
- “‘But if I had been a weak man,’ he said. ‘Good heavens, if I had been a weak man!’” – Demonstrates Mr. Darling’s commitment to his self-imposed punishment and the lengths he will go to for his children.
- “‘She’s awfully fond of Wendy,’ he said to himself. He was angry with her now for not seeing why she could not have Wendy.” – Reveals Peter’s possessiveness and inability to understand others' emotions.
- “‘I’m fond of her too. We can’t both have her, lady.’” – Peter's childish logic and selfishness are on full display.
- “‘Quick Tink,’ he whispered, ‘close the window; bar it! That’s right. Now you and I must get away by the door; and when Wendy comes she will think her mother has barred her out; and she will have to go back with me.’” – The key moment revealing Peter’s deception and plan.
- “‘She wants me to unbar the window,’ thought Peter, ‘but I won’t, not I!’” – Peter's stubbornness and desire for control.
- “Thus Wendy and John and Michael found the window open for them after all, which of course was more than they deserved.” – The narrator’s ironic tone suggests the children's unworthiness of this grace.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand the complexities of "The Return Home" chapter and its contribution to the overall themes of Peter Pan.