“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was. So the older ones have become glassy-eyed and seldom speak (winking is star language), but the little ones still wonder. They are not really friendly to Peter, who had a mischievous way of stealing up behind them and trying to blow them out, but they are so fond of fun that they were on his side tonight, and anxious to get the grown-ups out of the way. So as soon as the door of 27 closed on Mr. and Mrs. Darling there was a commotion in the firmament, and the smallest of all the stars in the Milky Way screamed out. "Now, Peter!”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," the narrator describes the stars as beautiful but passive observers who are being punished for a mysterious crime they can no longer remember. The older stars are portrayed as indifferent and distant, while the younger stars are still curious and eager for fun. This quote illustrates the magical and whimsical world of Neverland, where even the stars play a role in Peter's mischievous adventures. The stars' willingness to assist Peter in his nighttime escapades shows their playful nature and their desire to rebel against the constraints of their punishment.
Modern Relevance
In J.M. Barrie's quote, the concept of stars being punished and disconnected from active participation reflects a timeless theme of consequences for past actions. This idea of stars looking on forever without being able to intervene can be seen as a metaphor for individuals who feel powerless or restricted in their ability to make a difference in today's society. The story of Peter trying to interact with the stars also speaks to our innate desire for connection and playfulness, even in the face of obstacles. This sentiment resonates in the present day as people continue to navigate challenges and seek to find ways to engage with the world around them.
Starry Night Adventure
In this excerpt from J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," the stars come to life and play a role in Peter's mischievous adventures. The stars are portrayed as having their own personalities and being supportive of Peter's antics.
Reflection Questions:
As you reflect on the passage from J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the idea of stars as beings that have been punished and now watch silently from the sky?
- What does this passage suggest about the relationship between youthfulness, mischief, and fun?
- In what ways do you see Peter Pan challenging authority or defying societal norms in this passage?
- How does the imagery of stars and the night sky contribute to the overall themes and mood of the story?
- How do you think this passage reflects larger themes of innocence, rebellion, and the desire for freedom in "Peter Pan"?
Similar quotes
“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was. So the older ones have become glassy-eyed and seldom speak (winking is the star language), but the little ones still wonder.”
“Stars are beautiful, but they must not take an active part in anything, they must just look on forever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was.”
“Peter was not with them for the moment, and they felt rather lonely up there by themselves. He could go so much faster than they that he would suddenly shoot out of sight, to have some adventure in which they had no share. He would come down laughing over something fearfully funny he had been saying to a star, but he had already forgotten what it was, or he would come up with mermaid scales still sticking to him, and yet not be able to to say for certain what had been happening. It was really rather irritating to children who had never seen a mermaid.”
“Tink was not all bad: or, rather, she was all bad just now, but, on the other hand, sometimes she was all good. Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time. They are, however, allowed to change, only it must be a complete change.”
“He was so full of wrath against grown-ups, who as usual, were spoiling everything, that as soon as he got inside his tree he breathed intentionally quick short breaths at the rate of about five to a second. He did this because there is a saying in the Neverland, that everytime you breathe, a grown-up dies; and Peter was killing them of vindictively as fast as possible.”
“What’s your name?’ he asked.‘Wendy Moira Angela Darling,’ she replied with some satisfaction. ‘What is your name?’‘Peter Pan.’She was already sure that he must be Peter, but it did seem a comparatively short name.‘Is that all?’‘Yes,’ he said rather sharply. He felt for the first time that it was a shortish name.‘I’m so sorry,’ said Wendy Moira Angela.‘It doesn’t matter,’ Peter gulped.She asked where he lived.‘Second to the right,’ said Peter, ‘and then straight on till morning.’‘What a funny address!’Peter had a sinking feeling. For the first time he felt that perhaps it was a funny address.“A moment after the fairy’s entrance the window was blow open by the breathing of the little stars, and Peter dropped in.”