Peter and Hook....desires of each other?

[Rebecca]

I know this sounds weird. But for anyone who has read J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, not seen just the films, do you think that somehow Peter and Hook are symbols of the others desires? Hook may desire to be young again and though Peter will not admit it he wants the adventure of growing up?

[Bryan]

You should check out Lost Girls by Alan Moore. A brilliant, if disturbing take on several different stories, including Peter Pan. It discusses Hook and Peter's...um, desires.

[Lilac]

Yes, that makes sense. It's probably true because on some level I bet Peter does want to grow up and have more control, but at the same time he's too scared to. And of course it's obvious that Hook wants to be young again. I bet he had a rubbish childhood so that's why he's jealous of Peter.

P.S. I'm glad I read your whole post because I was about to come and post that you are sick for thinking that anything sexual was between Peter and Hook. lol That's why I shouldn't just make assumptions :)

[[deleted user]]

Bryan wrote: "You should check out Lost Girls by Alan Moore. A brilliant, if disturbing take on several different stories, including Peter Pan. It discusses Hook and Peter's...um, desires."

That's my kind of book! And I mean that as I love fairy tale mash-ups, not smut. Though on occasion..:P

[Nadosia Grey]

It's interesting though, that Pan forgets about Hook at the end of the book when Wendy brings the tale up.

[Katherine E-J]

That's an interesting thought, Rebecca. I had never considered that possibility. Although, if you can, you might want to change the title of this discussion. It doesn't relay your question the right way. :)

[Ken]

Definitely an interesting question.

I think that Peter certainly wants Hook's status as captain of the ship, as an adult he can go where he wants, commands the respect of others, can do adult things. He wants these things, but knows he is not quite ready for them and so toys with Hook.

Likewise, Hook, an adult, does battle with Peter but never mortally. It is for him at once a serious business and a game, the farce of his likely missing childhood that he's now vicariously living.

They play off each others' needs.