[In Peter Pan] Wendy, having no desire to grow up, follows Peter to Neverland where she won’t have to. Eventually, she realizes she does want to grow up, and leaves. But as much as she’s come to mean to Peter, he refuses to leave behind the freedom and adventure of childhood to come with her.

But why does Wendy decide to grow up? Maybe because nearly the first thing that happens upon her arrival in Neverland is the Lost Boys – other perpetual children Peter has collected – ask her to become their mother. The boys make her into “Mother” and Peter into “Father”. As soon as she gets to the world of perpetual childhood, she’s asked to take on the adult role. Her choice then becomes: go home and really grow up, or stay in Neverland, but be cast as an adult against her wishes, by males who refuse to see her any other way.