Peter Pan
Read the following extract carefully and answer the question below:
His hand closed on the fatal draught. “No!” shrieked Tinker Bell, who had heard Hook mutter about his deed as he sped through the forest. “Why not?” “It is poisoned.” “Poisoned? Who could have poisoned it?” “Hook.” “Don’t be silly. How could Hook have got down here?” Alas, Tinker Bell could not explain this, for even she did not know the dark secret of Slightly’s tree. Nevertheless Hook’s words had left no room for doubt. The cup was poisoned. “Besides,” said Peter, quite believing himself, “I never fell asleep.” He raised the cup. No time for words now; time for deeds; and with one of her lightning movements Tink got between his lips and the draught, and drained it to the dregs. “Why, Tink, how dare you drink my medicine?” But she did not answer. Already she was reeling in the air. “What is the matter with you?” cried Peter, suddenly afraid. “It was poisoned, Peter,” she told him softly; “and now I am going to be dead.” “O Tink, did you drink it to save me?” “Yes.” “But why, Tink?” Her wings would scarcely carry her now, but in reply she alighted on his shoulder and gave his nose a loving bite. She whispered in his ear “You silly ass,” and then, tottering to her chamber, lay down on the bed.
Question: Explain Tinker Bell's motivation for drinking the poisoned medicine. What does this reveal about her character and her relationship with Peter?
💡 Writing Tips
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To answer this question, look for direct statements or hints within the dialogue and narration that explain Tinker Bell's actions. Notice Peter's question, 'O Tink, did you drink it to save me?' and her direct reply. Think about why someone would sacrifice themselves for another. What kind of relationship do Peter and Tink have that would lead to such an extreme act? Consider Tinker Bell's fierce loyalty and how she has acted towards Peter in other parts of the story (even if not in this specific extract, general knowledge helps to deepen your understanding, but stick to the text for primary evidence).
📝 Sample Answer
Tinker Bell's motivation for drinking the poisoned medicine is a selfless act of sacrifice to save Peter's life. She knew the cup was poisoned because she had overheard Captain Hook's muttered words in the forest. When Peter, disbelieving and about to drink it himself, raised the cup, Tink acted immediately and courageously by getting between his lips and the draught and draining it to the dregs.
This reveals that Tinker Bell is fiercely loyal and deeply devoted to Peter. Despite her often-fiery and sometimes jealous nature, when Peter's life is in mortal danger, her love and protective instincts become paramount. Her willingness to give her own life to save his demonstrates an immense capacity for love and heroism, showing that her relationship with Peter, though complex, is built on a foundation of profound care and attachment. Her final loving bite and whisper, 'You silly ass,' even as she is dying, encapsulate their unique, often prickly but ultimately devoted bond.
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