Explore peter hollindales claim that peter pan retains its magical Essay

Explore peter hollindales claim that peter pan retains its magical elasticity and its ongoing modernity with reference to differ - Essay Example Indeed, Peter Hollindale argues that whilst some 20th century literature is best interpreted within its historical backdrop; Peter Pan remains relevant (Hollindale, 2005). To this end, Hollindale posits that â€Å"Peter Pan retains its magical elasticity and its ongoing modernity† and this paper critically evaluates this statement with specific reference to different versions of Peter Pan since its original production. In supporting his argument, Hollindale refers to the centenary of the first performance of Peter Pan, which was marked throughout various media modes in the UK from television to radio. However Hollindale refers to the argument of drama critic Michael Billington that whilst television is often fixated with the first half of the 20th century; the continued importance accorded to Peter Pan in production is justified due to the character providing a microcosm of human nature particularly in respect of obsession with youth (Hollindale, 2005). For example, Peter Pan arguably symbolises a wealth of different universal elements tied to childhood which transcends time to sustain contemporary relevance. Moreover, it is submitted that the emotional needs of a child remains the same regardless of culture, history, and environment (Rose, 1993). This is further reflected through Barrie’s narrative as academic commentary has opined that Barrie's desire in writing Peter Pan was to write about the adventures of his own childhood mixing it with fantasy (Rose, 1993). He was highly influenced by his mother's non-acceptance of his elder brother’s death and constantly dressed in his clothing to make his mother happy. This marked him for life and contributed to one of Peter Pan's attributes of never wanting to grow up. In turn Peter Pan remains a paradoxical figure, where he symbolises eternal youth on the one hand; which are juxtaposed against the ramifications of not growing up within the backdrop of the harsh world (Rose, 1993 ). Other childhoo d experiences which seen in the narrative play The Boy Casteways, which was influential in determining other important elements (Rose, 1993). For example, it is submitted that Neverland was the Black Lake Island and Tinkerbell was a firefly. Additionally, Nana was the Saint Bernard dog, Llewellyn Davies, P, the boy Casteways. Moreover, by the time Peter Pan was published in 1904, Barrie had become a prolific play writer in London, with Peter Pan featuring prominently in Barrie’s characteristic fusion of social commentary and fantasy (Barrie 1927). Additionally, the consistent narrative of the Peter Pan story reflects the consistency of the quest for eternal youth and issues impacting childhood, which remain universally applicable (Rose, 1993). For example, the story of Peter Pan never changes and the lives of Wendy, John and Michael consists of rules, school, playing make believe, baths, rules, parents, and beds. They have their own make believe lives where they tell stories about pirates and adventures. Every child has his own Neverland, a concise place in his mind where he has his own private thoughts and fears. One night they are awakened suddenly and three children, who are bored with their lives, are invited on the adventure of their life. They leave as children, seeing their lives through the small key lock of their room; and come back seeing life through the