READER-RESPONSE THEORY
(PETER PAN)
(PETER PAN)
How this drama text engage with young audience
Peter Pan never grows up, which is a key theme that young audiences can relate to. Children often wish they could stay young forever, free from the responsibilities of growing up. In the story, Peter’s desire to avoid growing up may reflect the audience's own desire for freedom and adventure, helping them feel connected to the character.
Viewer’s Response: A childlike nature refers to the qualities that children possess, such as honesty, trustfulness, and enthusiasm (Cambridge University Press & Assessment, 2020). When the children watching the film might see Peter as someone like themselves, someone who doesn’t have to worry about growing up. This connection to Peter’s carefree attitude draws them into the story and makes it more enjoyable.
Neverland is a place where anything can happen—flying, talking animals, and magical adventures. This encourages young viewers to use their imagination. Children are often naturally creative, and Peter Pan invites them to dream of a world where they can be part of exciting adventures.
Viewer’s Response: Imagination plays a crucial role in human development, fostering creativity, enhancing problem-solving skills, and supporting personal growth (Miracle, 2020). As the children are watching the film, they start imagining themselves in Neverland. They think about flying with Peter or fighting pirates. This active use of their imagination makes the story more engaging, as they see themselves as part of the adventure.
The story touches on themes that all children experience, such as the desire for adventure, friendship, and the comfort of home. Although the world of Neverland is fantastical, the feelings the characters experience such as wanting to belong or exploring the unknown are things that children can relate to in their own lives.
Viewer’s Response: A universal theme is a key idea or message that is relevant to people from all cultures and regions (Louisa, 2018). Children may relate to Peter’s adventures or Wendy’s desire to care for others. They might also understand the struggle between wanting to explore and wanting the safety of home. These universal feelings help children connect emotionally to the characters.
In Peter Pan, characters speak directly to the audience, especially when Peter asks them to believe in fairies or clap to save Tinker Bell. This interaction makes children feel like they are part of the story, not just watching from the outside.
Viewer’s Response: When Peter asks children to clap or believe in magic, they feel involved in the story. This direct invitation to participate helps children feel like they are part of the magic and encourages them to actively engage with the film.
The film shows a mix of childlike innocence and the desire for adventure. Peter represents fun and freedom, while Wendy represents care and responsibility. This balance reflects the different sides of childhood wanting to explore, but also needing comfort and security.
Viewer’s Response: Children may feel torn between Peter’s exciting adventures and Wendy’s more thoughtful approach to growing up. This balance makes the story meaningful, as it speaks to the different feelings children have about growing up and the adventures they want to have.
The humour in Peter Pan, such as funny pirate antics or the silly misunderstandings between characters, helps to keep the tone light and enjoyable. This makes it easier for children to stay engaged, even when the story touches on more serious ideas, like growing up and leaving childhood behind.
Viewer's Response: The humour in *Peter Pan*, such as the funny pirates and silly mix-ups, keeps the story enjoyable for children. These light-hearted moments help maintain their interest, even when the story addresses serious themes like growing up. The humour makes it easier for young viewers to understand and think about these ideas, showing that growing up doesn’t mean losing fun or imagination.
why this drama text is appropriate for their age group
Children are drawn to stories like Peter Pan because they offer an escape into a world of adventure and freedom, where they can stay young forever. The Lost Boys also long for a mother figure, highlighting their need for love and security. For young viewers, Neverland represents the perfect balance of freedom and care, fulfilling their desire for a place to belong and explore a life without worries or responsibilities.
Example: In the play, the Lost Boys excitedly welcome Wendy as their "mother" and are thrilled by the idea of having someone to care for them. This scene taps into the childlike longing for comfort, security, and love, while still embracing the fantasy of Neverland.
Young audiences can connect with Peter Pan’s character because he represents the desire to stay young and free. Children often wish they could avoid the responsibilities that come with growing up, and Peter’s refusal to grow up directly mirrors this wish. His carefree nature and adventures make him a character children can look up to and imagine themselves as.
Example: Peter’s famous line, “I won’t grow up,” resonates with children who may be scared or reluctant about growing older and losing the freedom they associate with childhood.
The story also teaches clear lessons, such as the importance of friendship, courage, and loyalty. These are lessons that young children can easily understand and relate to. For example, Peter's bravery and the strong bonds between the Lost Boys show the value of working together and standing up for what is right.
Example: The conflict between Peter and Captain Hook is straightforward. Peter represents bravery and justice, while Hook stands for villainy. Children can clearly distinguish between the two, helping them grasp basic moral ideas.
Children often feel limited by the rules and structure of the adult world. Peter Pan offers an escape from these limitations. The idea of a magical place like Neverland, where children can have endless adventures, is incredibly appealing. It gives them a chance to imagine a world without rules, where they can be heroes and experience excitement.
Example: The adventure in Neverland allows children to live out their fantasies of freedom and exploration, where they can face challenges and triumph, just like Peter does.
The story clearly contrasts childhood with adulthood, a theme that children can easily grasp. Peter represents the innocence and freedom of childhood, while characters like Wendy begin to take on more grown-up roles, like caring for the Lost Boys. This contrast makes children reflect on their own feelings about growing up.
Example: Wendy's role as the 'mother' of the Lost Boys shows the shift from carefree childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood. Children may relate to Peter’s refusal to grow up but also recognise the need for care and responsibility, as shown through Wendy’s actions.
What lessons does the young audience learn from the drama text
The Power of Imagination: Imagination is essential for human development, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth (Miracle, 2020). The story shows that imagination allows us to explore new ideas and adventures. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys live in a world where anything is possible because they use their imagination. This teaches children that creativity can help solve problems and make life fun.
The Balance Between Growing Up and Staying Young: Peter Pan never wants to grow up, while other characters like Wendy learn the value of becoming more responsible. This contrast helps children understand that growing up involves gaining responsibilities, but they can still keep the joy and excitement of being young.
The Importance of Friendship and Teamwork: The Lost Boys support each other, showing how friendship and working together can help people face challenges. This teaches children the value of helping others and being loyal to their friends.
Courage and Caring for Others: Characters like Wendy show bravery and care for the Lost Boys, teaching children that being courageous often means thinking about the needs of others, not just yourself.
Belief in Yourself and the Impossible: Peter Pan shows that believing in yourself and the impossible can make things happen. This teaches children the importance of self-confidence and staying hopeful, even in difficult situations.
The Importance of Responsibility: While Peter loves fun and freedom, he sometimes avoids responsibilities. Wendy, on the other hand, shows that caring for others and being responsible is important. This helps children understand that growing up involves taking care of others.
The Need for Belonging: The Lost Boys are looking for a place where they feel loved and accepted. This teaches children that belonging to a group or family is important for happiness and emotional support.