Age Is Only a Number in Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Age Is Only a Number

In J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, young Wendy Darling and twelve year old John Darling, along with Peter Pan, learn that maturity is not shown by age, but by attitude, as seen by Wendy’s motherlike attitude, John’s fighting spirit and decision making, and Peter’s immaturity at times even though he is older. Wendy uses her attitude to help raise the Lost Boys and give them the mother they need. John’s headstrong attitude helps immensely in the fight against Captain James Hook, as he is smart in fights and is able to make impactful decisions. Peter’s immaturity shows that even though he is significantly older than the Darlings, he has many immature traits. In other words, age does not mean anything, just like Wendy, despite her young age, shows through her motherlike attitude.

To begin, Wendy seems to have a very motherlike attitude towards the Lost Boys, something that they so desperately need. For instance, the idea of a young pre-adolescent child being the mother of a family is strange to say the least, as this role is usually reserved for those of a reasonable age in most societies. However, the Lost Boys of Neverland never had a motherlike figure in the magical lands. Wendy takes this role over, a very strong and admirable move. While she acknowledges the fact that she is young and has no experience of being a mother, she realizes how important it is for the Lost Boys to have a mother, even if she is not their legitimate mother. Peter tells her that all they need is a nice motherly person, and she accepts this role. Along with the role of being a mother is the work that many mothers of the time would accomplish, such as washing the clothes and sewing. Wendy is not afraid to scold and punish the boys if they wer...

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...ature. Peter is the antithesis of mature; he does not act in ways appropriate of adults. In summary, Peter is quite immature even though he is older than Wendy and John Darling, both of whom act mature throughout most of the book.

All things considered, age has nothing to do with maturity, as seen by Wendy Darling’s mature motherlike attitude, John Darling’s mature mindset, and Peter Pan’s childish attitude. Wendy becomes a mother to the Lost Boys throughout the book, guiding them to success. John shows that even though he is young, he can think about the fight against Hook like an adult and also make tough decisions. Peter also proves that age has nothing to do with maturity through his cocky, greedy, and impolite actions. J.M. Barrie shows in Peter Pan that no matter how old someone is, they can make an impact on anyone as long as they are able to act maturely.