Home > Peter Pan Summary & Study Guide > Peter Pan Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   akannan Teacher
   Middle School

   eNotes Editor

   Barrie's story ends with a small level of twist, but fairly telling ending.  The Darlings wait for the children to return.  Despite his earlier request and desire to keep the children believing that they are unwanted, Peter does relent and allow the children to return to the nursery and to their home.  The Lost Boys go with and are adopted by the Darlings.  For his own part, Peter does not want to be adopted and leaves.  The consolation is that Wendy will visit Peter each year for Spring Cleaning.  The ending reflects Peter's inability to grow up, for if he were adopted, the implication would be maturation and growth, what Peter refuses.  At the same time, staying with the family would require a level of responsibility and commitment, something about which Peter possesses fear.  Even during make- believe, Peter cannot embrace emotional commitment that benefits another.  The ending reflects that, in so far as Wendy will still be with Peter, but only for a short period of time- a reflection of Peter's emotional immaturity.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/peter-pan/act-v-summary

   http://www.enotes.com/peter-pan/themes

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by akannan on Sunday October 18, 2009 at 6:25 AM