The Dark Origins of the Boy Who Never Grew Up: Peter Pan

The Selfish Child

It appears that when Barrie first came up with the idea for the character, he saw Peter as a fantasy. Living selfishly and heartlessly yet innocent was appealing to Barrie, which is why he was able to turn the story into a sentimental fairytale. Later, he wanted to grow up and develop true empathy and realized that he could not.

Betty Bronson and Mary Biran on-set of the Silent Film from 1924.

Photo by Glasshouse Images / Shutterstock

But both versions of the story keep Peter as the ideal selfish child. This makes it easy for Peter Pan to turn into a villain instead of a hero. The true story of Peter Pan is a divine fantasy combined with your worst nightmare. Furthermore, you can look at the author in the same way. Is Barrie a storytelling genius, or a twisted man who ruins the lives of children?

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