Who is the real protagonist of Peter Pan?

I never give my students an assignment without doing it myself. For fun this year, I let my students watch and write an analysis of Peter Pan. They did a great job. They were super insightful. Below, you will find my own analysis of the film. Keep in mind that this was written as a teaching tool. It is in no way the greatest analytical essay ever written. It was just for fun with my students.

While many see Peter Pan as a story about the boy who refused to grow up, the timeless classic is really about the quest of the coming of age for the female protagonist, Wendy Darling. Throughout the film, growing up is seen as a negative, yet unavoidable, part of life. Even though Wendy's parents first state it will be Wendy's last night in the nursery--a symbol for childhood--they eventually concede, allowing Wendy to stay a child for a little longer.

Wendy's quest begins at bedtime when Peter Pan enters the Darling house. The setting is dark and foggy, typical London weather; however, it represents a time of mystery and possibility. Wendy and her brothers (John and Michael) are unaware of the adventure that awaits them. The dark setting signifies the negativity surrounding adulthood. While childhood is broght and sunny, just like Neverland itself, adulthood requires responsibility-- a topic that most try to avoid. Once the Darlings reach Neverland, the sun is up. Neverland resembles a Carribean beach complete with a mermaid Lagos, natives, and pirates. Neverland is in stark contrast to London. Summer is often used to symbolize childhood and youth. The Darling children are free to play and explore--two activities often associated with youth. In Neverland, Wendy is free to be the young girl she wants to be, rather the the woman her parents are expecting in London. 

Although there are many different character within Peter Pan, the characters who most support adulthood are Wendy's father and Catain Hook. Interestingly enough, in many stage versions, the two characters are played by the same actor. Captain Hook, the antagonist of the film, is in constant conflict with Peter Pan:  the ultimate symbol for childhood. Captain Hook is a vampire with his dark features and dark read clothing. He attempts to lure Wendy and the lost boys into becoming pirates, trying to hook them in. While the young boys jump at the chance to enter the negative and dangerous type of adulthood equipped with violence and tattoos, it is Wendy; however, our young heroine, who rejects the worse type of adulthood by rejecting Captian Hook. 

One of the most memorable scenes in Peter Pan is the first flight. Within the film, flying is a symbol of escape from the realities of life and consequently adulthood. The lyrics for the song "You can't Fly!" Instruct the Darling children to "think of a wonderful thought."  All of the thoughts involve happy childhood memories to which even adults can relate; Christmas, snow, etc. the Darlings, most notably Wendy, escape the impending growing up and fly to a child's dream world.

Yet, in the end, Wendy realizes the growing up is not the worse fate. She is never able to fully convince Peter that the real world is not so bad. Instead she returns home ready to move on from the nursery showing her growth through her quest in Neverland.