Category
JFL, Terrace Conference Room (001)
Description
The purpose of this project is to investigate the direct influence James M. Barrie’s life had on the character of Pan in his beloved work, Peter Pan. The research reveals distinct connections between Barrie’s life and the character of Pan that can be traced from his childhood to the time of the story’s publication. Many researchers have provided insight into Barrie’s personal life, but there is a gap in relating Barrie’s life to his writing. Understanding the influence Barrie’s life had on his work leads to a deeper understanding of how Barrie views himself in his story of a boy who never grows up. To learn about Barrie’s life, the people who influenced him, and how he viewed himself in the story of Peter Pan, this project utilizes extensive research that ranges from biographies to scholarly journals. The project first outlines how the death of Barrie’s older brother, David, causes his mother to isolate herself from her children and how her depression and isolation influenced how James viewed the role of mothers throughout his work. This situation is not the only influence on James’s life, and once Barrie meets the Llewelyn Davies family, he begins crafting stories about Peter Pan. Barrie’s relationship with the Llewelyn Davies boys, especially Michael, leads to the creation of Pan through the shared experience of childlike play and expression. Being with the Llewelyn Davies boys leads to the creation of the character of Peter Pan, who reflects Barrie’s personal feelings of having never fully grown up. Through the study of Barrie’s life and its impact on his work, there is a distinct connection between Barrie’s life and his treasured story, Peter Pan, which can give readers a clearer understanding of the character of Peter and the author, J. M. Barrie.
A Man, a Family, and a Story: Influences on the Creation of J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan"
JFL, Terrace Conference Room (001)
The purpose of this project is to investigate the direct influence James M. Barrie’s life had on the character of Pan in his beloved work, Peter Pan. The research reveals distinct connections between Barrie’s life and the character of Pan that can be traced from his childhood to the time of the story’s publication. Many researchers have provided insight into Barrie’s personal life, but there is a gap in relating Barrie’s life to his writing. Understanding the influence Barrie’s life had on his work leads to a deeper understanding of how Barrie views himself in his story of a boy who never grows up. To learn about Barrie’s life, the people who influenced him, and how he viewed himself in the story of Peter Pan, this project utilizes extensive research that ranges from biographies to scholarly journals. The project first outlines how the death of Barrie’s older brother, David, causes his mother to isolate herself from her children and how her depression and isolation influenced how James viewed the role of mothers throughout his work. This situation is not the only influence on James’s life, and once Barrie meets the Llewelyn Davies family, he begins crafting stories about Peter Pan. Barrie’s relationship with the Llewelyn Davies boys, especially Michael, leads to the creation of Pan through the shared experience of childlike play and expression. Being with the Llewelyn Davies boys leads to the creation of the character of Peter Pan, who reflects Barrie’s personal feelings of having never fully grown up. Through the study of Barrie’s life and its impact on his work, there is a distinct connection between Barrie’s life and his treasured story, Peter Pan, which can give readers a clearer understanding of the character of Peter and the author, J. M. Barrie.
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Undergraduate