“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!”
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.”
“At night, you'll look up at the stars. It's too small, where I live, for me to show you where my star is. It's better that way. My star will be...one of the stars, for you. So you'll like looking at all of them. They'll all be your friends. And besides, I have a present for you. He laughed again.'Ah, little fellow, little fellow, I love hearing that laugh.''That'll be my present. Just that...'People have stars, but they aren't the same. For travelers, the stars are guides. For other people they're nothing but tiny lights. And for still others, for scholars, they're problems. For my businessman, they were gold. But all those stars are silent stars. You though, you'll have stars like nobody else. 'What do you mean?'When you look up at the sky at night, sincle I'll be living on one of them, since I'll be laughing on one of them, for you it'll be as if all the stars are laughing. You'll have stars that can laugh!And he laughed again....And it'll be as if I had given you, instead of stars, a lot of little bells that know how to laugh.”
“Peter glanced up at the stars and a wicked smile lit his face. "Time to play," he whispered to the stars and winked. And the stars winked back, for Peter's smile is a most contagious thing.”
“Look, you have been told everything. Lift up your eyes and look at the cloud and the light within it and the stars surrounding it. And the star that leads the way is your star." So Judas lifted up his eyes and saw the luminous cloud, and he entered it.”