Peter Pan Gender Roles

As a society, we have constructed gender roles which we associate to both male and female. These roles are depicted in various ways throughout our daily lives and even before we are born. Growing up we are read stories and watch movies that help mold the perceptions we have today. For example, I grew up watching Disney films, mainly the ones that involved the princesses. Why you may ask, well because that is what girls are supposed to according to our society. Although almost everything we watch has clear depictions of gender roles, I have chosen to analyze the gender roles in Peter Pan; more specifically the actions of Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Wendy, and Peter.

We typically associate men with being the parent that provides the main source of income for a family, although that is not be

true for all families, George Darling fulfills this role. He spends his time working to ensure that his family has the things they need. George is respected by his wife, children, and even Nana. He is stern and demands obedience by everyone in the house. The male gender is associated with the main financial provider and an austere manner which they present themselves. Mary Darling on the other hand is a perfect example the stereotype of a woman. She is the main caregiver for the children; she is the peace keeper between George and their children when he gets angry, and an attentive wife. Mary is a sweet, caring woman that is dependent on her husband to provide for their livelihood. When she attends the party with George, she dressed and put together well. As a society, we expect the wives of businessmen to be well groomed since they are representing their husbands. An interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:33b-35 is the controversial saying of, “Women should be seen and not heard”; this can be applied toward Mary. George is forcing the children to grow up faster than Mary would like but her opinion is not taken into consideration when voiced.
Wendy wakes during the night to find Peter trying to reattach his shadow. She shows that she is caring and compassionate as she comforts him and helps his get his shadow back. She has a vivid imagination and enjoys telling storied to her brothers, John and Michael; however, her father believes that she needs to begin preparing for adulthood and thinks storytelling is absurd. When Peter takes Wendy, John, and Michael to Neverland they meet the Lost Boys. She soon assumes a position equivalent to their mother. She cares for and cleans up after the six young boys. She is eventually captured by Captain James Hook, at this point in the film she is a “damsel in distress” in need of a savior. The theme of a woman needing a savior, usually a man, is extremely common in any form of media.
“All children, except one, grow up” are the famous words of J.

M. Barrie introducing Peter. Although he is not aging, we do see possess the characteristics of a man. He is a leader, protects the Lost Boys, Wendy, John, and Michael, and provides for them. Peter is much like George since he is the father figure for the Lost Boys. Peter’s leadership is evident in the song “Following the Leader”. The lyrics say, “We’re following the leader wherever he may go/we won’t be home till morning, till morning/because he told us so”. The lyrics show that the boys listen to Peter because he has been self appointed as the leader and in charge of their well being. He also disciplines the lost boys like George disciplined Nana. When Tootles accidentally shoots the “Wendy Bird”, he looks to Peter for punishment. He is also independent, unlike the Lost Boys who are usually together; Peter will venture from the homestead. When Wendy and her brother get captured by the pirates he is their savior. Peter exemplifies the masculine stereotype of strength when he has a battle with James Hook and his pirates and ultimately defeats them. Peter is a prime example of how gender roles are prevalent at any

age.