J.M. Barrie’s real-life experiences, especially the impact of his brother’s death, directly influenced the characters, plot, and themes of “Peter Pan”. James had the misfortune of having to live in his brother’s, David Barrie’s, shadow as David was considered his mother’s favorite son. His death would later lead to the characterization of Peter Pan and his background story. Margaret Ogilvy’s (David’s and James’ mother) reaction to David’s death would eventually lead to the mother-worship theme, presented in the formation of the character Wendy. Although James’ relationship with David was brief considering that David died at such a young age, it was apparent that David Barrie was the favorite of his mother, Margaret Ogilvy (Birkin 3). David had an appealing physical appearance as he had a tall frame, an athletic built, a
…show more content…
However, the term could be taken in a different way. Evidence of this claim can be found in Sentimental Tommy and Tommy and Grizel, two of Barrie’s novels (Dunbar 67). The main character in both novels, Tommy Sandys, is described as “a boy who adores being a child and can never really grow up” (Hanson 23). This description also fits the character Peter Pan as he consistently refuses to grow up throughout the novel/play. Peter Pan was also based on the idea of a sad child, and James himself was a sad child for he was deeply wounded by his mother’s actions (Dunbar 4). Inferior and forgotten, James had a relatively miserable childhood (Gavin 37). His unhappy childhood could be seen reflected in the character Peter Pan, as the creation of Peter allowed Barrie to mourn for something he never had (Johnson 57). Our childhood is something we experience for what seems like a brief moment, but we are quick to forget to cherish it until we are forced to face the real
However, the term could be taken in a different way. Evidence of this claim can be found in Sentimental Tommy and Tommy and Grizel, two of Barrie’s novels (Dunbar 67). The main character in both novels, Tommy Sandys, is described as “a boy who adores being a child and can never really grow up” (Hanson 23). This description also fits the character Peter Pan as he consistently refuses to grow up throughout the novel/play. Peter Pan was also based on the idea of a sad child, and James himself was a sad child for he was deeply wounded by his mother’s actions (Dunbar 4). Inferior and forgotten, James had a relatively miserable childhood (Gavin 37). His unhappy childhood could be seen reflected in the character Peter Pan, as the creation of Peter allowed Barrie to mourn for something he never had (Johnson 57). Our childhood is something we experience for what seems like a brief moment, but we are quick to forget to cherish it until we are forced to face the real