Previous
Motifs
Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 6: The Little House
Explanation and Analysis—The Desire for a Mother:
The desire for a mother forms a central paradox in Peter Pan: Peter desires Wendy to be his mother, but he also has an aversion to maternal care and supervision. In Chapter 6, the Lost Boys fall to their knees asking Wendy to be their mother:
Then all went on their knees, and holding out their arms cried, “O Wendy lady, be our mother.”
“Ought I?” Wendy said, all shining. “Of course it's frightfully fascinating, but you see I am only a little girl. I have no real experience.”
“That doesn't matter,” said Peter, as if he were the only person present who knew all about it, though he was really the one who knew least. “What we need is just a nice motherly person.”
Here, Peter claims that Wendy's lack of experience does not matter. What matters is that she has the demeanor of a "nice motherly person." She displays kindness, patience, and the ability to cook and clean. However, Peter enjoys being mischievous and rarely wants to follow another person's rules. He also disagrees with Wendy about "the truth about mothers" because he was abandoned by his own. This paradox (of wanting a mother, and yet resenting the concept of being mothered) evokes general questions about humanity: Is the desire for a mother or parental figure universal? What role do parents play in the development of their children's feelings and maturation? This paradox might also simply be connected to the normal conflict of growing up; children long to be mothered, but at the same time long for freedom; and ultimately, it is the experience of being mothered that allows a child to grow up and achieve independence.
Related Themes:
