Peter and the Starcatchers

J.M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy has been adapted many times, most famously as the 1953 film Peter Pan. Compare and contrast Peter and the Starcatchers with other adaptations of Barrie’s story. Which elements are essential? How do changes affect the story?

Alf is the only adult who forms an easy friendship with the children in the novel. What about Alf’s character makes this possible? Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

The Starcatchers work to prevent the Others from gaining too much power. How do the authors portray the morality of power? Can power be good?

There are few women in this seafaring adventure set in the 19th century. How do Barry and Pearson resist or participate in stereotypes about women at sea in the characters of Molly and Mrs. Bumbrake?

How successfully does the novel resist racist tropes about the portrayal of Native peoples in adventure stories? Support your argument with evidence from the novel.

How do Barry and Pearson portray violence in an age-appropriate way? Identify at least two narrative strategies.

The novel’s villains come in pairs: Slank and Little Richard, and Black Stache and Smee. What do these relationships have in common? How are they different?

How does the novel help readers keep track of its many characters and complicated plot? Identify and discuss at least three strategies.