COMPARE AND CONTRAST

Similarities:

• Both Peter Pan and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs use the literary device of symbolism. In Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, the mirror represents vanity and self-obsession, reflecting the Queen's deteriorating morality as she grows increasingly fixated on being the “fairest” at any cost (123HelpMe, n.d.). For example, we can see this from the drama text "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" [8]. Peter Pan uses Tinkerbell and Neverland as symbols of eternal youth and freedom, central to Peter’s desire to avoid growing up (e.g., “I want to be a little boy always and to have fun” [14]) (LitCharts, 2024). 

• Both Peter Pan and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs use the literary device of personification but they employ these devices differently based on their themes. In Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, the Queen’s multiple attempts on Snow White’s life foreshadow the story’s culmination, including the poison apple scene, which subtly hints at Snow White’s eventual awakening due to her beauty remaining untouched in death (e.g., "The dwarfs put Snow White in a glass coffin because she was so beautiful and stayed that way even in death" [8]). In Peter Pan, Hook's fear of the ticking crocodile foreshadows his eventual fate, creating suspense (e.g., "Someday the clock will run down, and then he’ll get you” [14]) (LitCharts, 2024). 

Differences:

• Peter Pan frequently employs irony and wit, especially in Peter’s dialogue. J.M. Barrie uses Peter’s clever, sometimes naive remarks to create a playful tone, contrasting the story's deeper implications regarding eternal youth (LitCharts, 2024). For example, Peter proudly declares, “I’m clever! Oh, the cleverness of me!”—a humorous moment that underlines his childlike arrogance and innocence while hinting at the potential drawbacks of never maturing (e.g., his limited understanding of love and responsibility) Barrie also incorporates irony to explore the contrast between childhood and adulthood, often mocking adult behaviors through Peter’s resistance to growing up (LitCharts, 2024). For instance, when Peter boasts of his independence from adult conventions, it is ironic because his pride in his innocence is itself a limitation, keeping him from experiencing the growth that others, like Wendy, seek. ​

• In contrast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the drama text uses a lot of allegory to convey moral lessons through characters and events. The Evil Queen symbolizes vanity and jealousy, with her obsession with beauty leading to her downfall, while Snow White represents innocence and purity, ultimately triumphing over the Queen's malice (123HelpMe, n.d.). The poisoned apple serves as an allegory for deception and temptation, showing how outwardly harmless things can conceal danger. The Seven Dwarfs embody virtues like humility, kindness, and loyalty, counteracting the Queen’s evil, while the Prince symbolizes justice and restoration, awakening Snow White and bringing peace after chaos. Overall, the story allegorizes the battle between good and evil, emphasizing how virtue ultimately prevails over vice. 

Similarities:

Dialogue in both texts serves to reinforce character personalities and the stories' underlying themes. In Peter Pan, Peter’s lines are full of bravado and innocence, emphasizing his love for adventure. Similarly, in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Queen’s dialogue reflects her obsession with beauty and her sinister intentions. 

Differences:

Dialogue in drama text of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is Simple and Rhythmic

• In Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, the dialogue is simple, direct, and often repetitive, mirroring the fairy-tale nature of the story and making it accessible to audiences of all ages (BYJU, n.d.). This simplicity reinforces the straightforward moral message of the tale, which contrasts good with evil in a manner that’s easy to understand and appreciate. For example, the Queen’s iconic refrain, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” creates a rhythmic and predictable pattern, underscoring her obsession with beauty and vanity. This repetition not only highlights the Queen’s insecurity but also reinforces her self-centered motivations, as her focus is continually directed toward external validation of her appearance​.

• Additionally, the Dwarfs’ dialogue, though brief, reflects their supportive and loyal nature. They readily accept Snow White into their home, their simple and welcoming language establishing them as protective figures. This simplicity aligns with the fairy tale’s traditional tone, where language is often used to convey clear, easily interpreted emotions and intentions.

• The straightforward dialogue in Snow White contributes to a timeless storytelling (BYJU, n.d.). Characters often speak in a formal, almost ceremonial way, suited to the fairy tale’s allegorical nature, where each line is designed to emphasize the virtues of kindness and the perils of vanity without distraction or ambiguity.

Dialogue in drama text of Peter Pan is Conversational and Dynamic 

• In Peter Pan, the dialogue is more conversational and dynamic, reflecting the complex relationships and themes of growth, friendship, and loyalty that drive the play. J.M. Barrie uses dialogue to bring out the playful, naive nature of Peter’s character and the childlike innocence of Neverland (Barrie et al., 2015). For example, Peter’s direct question to Wendy, “What’s your name?” immediately showcases his lack of formal manners and curiosity, a trait of someone who has never grown up and doesn’t fully understand social conventions​.

• Peter’s dialogue is often witty and humorous, adding a playful tone that aligns with his desire to remain a child forever (Barrie et al., 2015) . His language is lighthearted and free of responsibility, mirroring his carefree nature. His interactions with Wendy reveal his immaturity, as he treats serious matters such as the idea of growing up with indifference or even scorn. This choice in dialogue helps illustrate the contrast between Peter, who embodies the freedom of eternal childhood, and Wendy, who is gradually accepting the responsibilities of maturity.

• Wendy’s language, on the other hand, is more formal and thoughtful, emphasizing her role as a maternal figure. Her careful choice of words shows her desire for responsibility and family, as well as her growing understanding of the importance of stability and care. For example, Wendy uses tender language when she offers to tell the Lost Boys stories, signaling her nurturing side and her readiness to take on adult responsibilities even within the fantasy of Neverland.

• Overall, the conversational tone in Peter Pan allows for more nuanced character interactions. The dynamic exchanges between Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys reveal complex layers in their relationships, where playfulness meets a longing for belonging and family, and where loyalty and friendship are tested.

Comparison: How Tone and Complexity Suit Each Drama Texts’ Themes

• The contrast in dialogue style between the two plays highlights the distinct themes they address. Snow White’s simple, rhythmic dialogue is perfectly suited to its fairy-tale theme of moral clarity, reinforcing the distinction between good and evil and the consequences of vanity. The language’s predictability and formality suit a story that aims to communicate a singular moral message.

• In contrast, Peter Pan’s dynamic and varied dialogue allows for exploration of more complex themes, such as the tension between youth and maturity, and the value of friendship and loyalty. Peter’s informal and humorous language makes him endearing while highlighting his immaturity and fear of change. Wendy’s more mature and considerate speech provides a foil to Peter’s character, deepening the themes of family and the inevitability of growing up.

In sum, while Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs uses straightforward dialogue to drive a moral message, Peter Pan employs a more conversational style that engages audiences with the layered themes of youth, growth, and relationships, reflecting the contrasting narrative goals of each play.

Similarities:
Both Peter Pan and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs feature protagonists who are innocent, pure-hearted, and embody the themes of goodness. They are also confronted by dangerous, adult antagonists—Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Evil Queen in Snow White—who represent the corrupted forces of adulthood: authority, jealousy, and malice. These antagonists serve as dramatic contrasts to the protagonists’ innocence, providing obstacles that test the heroes' bravery and resilience.

• Innocence vs. Evil: Both Peter and Snow White possess inherent innocence that is threatened by the adult antagonists. Snow White’s beauty and kindness make her beloved by others but also the target of envy (White Rose of Avalon, 2024). Peter’s carefree spirit and rejection of adulthood create tension with Hook, who represents the dangers of growing up (Reddit, 2020). Both protagonists are forced to face and confront these dangers, learning valuable lessons about bravery and resilience in the process.

Differences:
Peter Pan: Static and Resistant to Growth

• Peter Pan’s character development is notably static, meaning that he doesn’t undergo any significant change or growth throughout the story (Caitlin & Kimberly, 2022). He actively rejects the notion of growing up and prefers to live in Neverland, where he is free from the responsibilities and expectations of adulthood. Peter’s character is defined by his resistance to change, a core aspect of his identity. 

• We can see this when Peter explicitly rejects maturity, saying, “I don’t want to grow up and learn about solemn things” [14]. His refusal to grow up is not framed as a lesson in immaturity, but rather as a chosen lifestyle that he fiercely defends. This makes him the embodiment of eternal youth, and despite the adventures and challenges he faces with the Lost Boys and Captain Hook, Peter does not learn to mature or develop emotionally. His innocence and playfulness remain intact.

• Peter’s relationship with Wendy reflects his resistance to change. While Wendy embodies the nurturing maternal qualities of adulthood, Peter is unable to fully comprehend or accept the responsibilities that come with growing up, even when faced with her wisdom. This dynamic highlights Peter's static nature, as he prefers the simplicity and freedom of childhood, free from the complexities and burdens of growing up.

Snow White: Dynamic Growth and Transformation

• In contrast, Snow White’s character is dynamic which she undergoes significant personal growth throughout the story. Snow White starts as an innocent and naïve young princess who is thrust into a dangerous world filled with envy, betrayal, and malice (Hamliet, 2019). Her development is shaped by the trials she faces, particularly the Queen’s repeated attempts to kill her. Through these trials, Snow White learns about the dangers of the adult world, especially the destructive power of jealousy and vanity, and matures emotionally. 

• We can see this when Snow White’s growth is evident in her increasing awareness of the dangers surrounding her, particularly the Queen’s malicious intentions. After the Queen's first attempt to kill her using a tight-fitting corset, Snow White shows greater caution and wisdom in subsequent interactions. When the Queen disguises herself as an old woman and offers Snow White a poisoned comb, Snow White is once again deceived, but she learns from the experience and is eventually protected by the Dwarfs, who teach her to be more cautious and aware.

• Emotional Transformation: Snow White's final growth comes when she is revived by the Prince, symbolizing the power of love and trust (Priyadarshika, 2022) . Her willingness to forgive the Queen and trust in the goodness of others—especially the Prince—demonstrates her emotional maturation. Her ability to find love and ultimately be saved reflects a transformation from innocence to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of life, love, and human nature.

• We can see this after Snow White is being awakened by the Prince’s kiss, she is able to forgive and move beyond the Queen’s evil. Her ability to embrace the Prince’s love and embark on a new life contrasts with Peter’s steadfast rejection of change, and it emphasizes the growth that comes from overcoming hardship.

Thematic Reflection in Character Development

• Peter Pan’s static character reflects the theme of resisting the inevitable changes that come with life, particularly the transition from childhood to adulthood. The play does not offer a resolution to Peter’s refusal to grow up, leaving his eternal youth both a blessing and a limitation. In a sense, Peter's development—or lack thereof—acts as a commentary on the tension between freedom and responsibility, and the consequences of denying maturity and growth.

• Snow White’s dynamic growth reflects the more traditional fairy tale arc, where the protagonist undergoes personal development, learns from adversity, and achieves a sense of fulfillment and maturity. Her growth is not just about surviving the Queen’s attempts on her life, but about learning to navigate the dangers of the adult world and ultimately finding love, trust, and justice. Snow White’s final transformation into a wife and queen is a symbolic completion of her journey from innocence to adulthood.

Similarities:

Both Peter Pan and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs feature prominent themes of good vs. evil, the power of innocence, and identity.

• Good vs. Evil: Snow White presents a clear battle between the virtuous heroine and the wicked Queen, reinforcing a straightforward moral of virtue triumphing over vice (e.g., Snow White’s eventual survival and marriage to the Prince [8]) (Priyadarshika, 2022). In Peter Pan, the conflict is more complex. Hook represents the darkness of adulthood, while Peter embodies eternal youth (GradeSaver, 2019). However, the play suggests that true fulfillment involves balance, as Wendy and the Lost Boys ultimately leave Neverland to seek family [14].

• Innocence and Identity: In Snow White, innocence is threatened by envy, but it ultimately endures (Priyadarshika, 2022). Snow White’s beauty and purity remain unaffected by the Queen’s malice, illustrating that goodness withstands corruption [8]. In Peter Pan, innocence is preserved by staying in Neverland, yet Peter’s insistence on staying young hints at the limitations of rejecting growth (GradeSaver, 2019). Wendy and the Lost Boys’ eventual decision to leave reflects a natural evolution of identity [14].

Differences:

Peter Pan largely explores the theme of eternal youth and the tension between adventure and responsibility. The conflict between Peter and Captain Hook highlights a clash of youth vs. maturity, freedom vs. authority. In contrast, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs focuses more on themes of beauty, jealousy, and justice. Snow White’s conflict with the Queen underscores the dangers of vanity and envy. 

• Peter Pan has theme of Eternal Youth vs. Maturity:

One of the most prominent themes in Peter Pan is the conflict between eternal youth and the responsibilities of adulthood (PapersOwl, 2024). Peter refuses to grow up, cherishing his freedom in Neverland and avoiding the constraints of society, responsibility, and maturity. This resistance to growing up is central to the play, and the tension between adventure and responsibility is embodied in the characters of Peter and Hook. Peter’s refusal to grow up creates a direct confrontation with Captain Hook, who represents the authority, duty, and consequences of maturity. Hook is the adult figure, with his need for control, his fear of losing power, and his obsession with revenge against Peter. This conflict—youth vs. maturity, freedom vs. authority—is a major thematic driver in the play, and it raises questions about the value of staying young and carefree, versus the challenges and eventual wisdom of growing up (Times Entertainment, 2023). Peter’s ideal of eternal youth is enticing but ultimately unsustainable, while Hook’s adult world of order, responsibility, and revenge is morally corrupted and oppressive.

• Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs has themes of Beauty, Jealousy and Vanity:

In contrast to Peter Pan, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs centers around more traditional fairy tale themes such as beauty, jealousy, and justice (Hamliet, 2019). The Queen’s obsession with being the "fairest of them all" reflects vanity and the destructive power of jealousy. Her envy of Snow White’s beauty propels the story, driving the Queen to commit heinous acts in an effort to maintain her position as the most beautiful and beloved woman in the kingdom.

The conflict between Snow White and the Queen is less about external forces like a villain’s quest for power, and more about internal emotional struggles like self-worth, envy, and revenge. The Queen’s jealousy ultimately leads to her downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the destructive nature of unchecked desire for power and admiration. Snow White’s beauty and innocence become both her protection and her vulnerability, and the theme of beauty serves as a reflection on how it can be both a gift and a curse in a world ruled by jealousy and appearance.

• Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs also has themes of Justice and Moral Order:

Another key theme in Snow White is justice (Priyadarshika, 2022). The Queen's evil deeds—her attempts to kill Snow White in various ways—are ultimately punished by the forces of good. Snow White’s survival and eventual marriage to the Prince signify the triumph of innocence and goodness over evil. The Queen’s eventual demise at the hands of justice reflects the moral order often seen in fairy tales, where wrongdoers are punished and virtue is rewarded. Snow White’s life, though full of trials, is ultimately restored to harmony and peace, aligning with the fairy tale tradition of restoring order to the world after chaos is introduced by a villain.