Peter Pan

The narrator explains that fairies are born when babies are born. The narrator also explains that fairies die when children no longer believe in them. The Neverland represents a place of belief. Fairies can be seen to represent children’s imaginations. Peter saves Tinker Bell’s life by asking all the children in the world if they believe in fairies. Many do. When does childhood end? Perhaps it is when children stop believing in fairies.

Mothers are symbols of knowledge, but they are also easily manipulated by children. Peter Pan manipulates Wendy, bringing her to the Neverland (though the narrator pointedly suggests she tempted Peter first). He uses her to take care of his lost boys as well as himself, but refuses to stay with her when she returns home. He is angry when Wendy grows up, assuming that, as his mother, she would wait for him like she said mothers did.

Mothers nurture their children, and Wendy nurtures the lost boys. However, a mother’s goal is to see her child grow up. Mothers, then, play a role in ending childhood, especially when one considers the possible allusions to Eden, Adam and Eve and the loss of innocence.