Barrie's Childhood

J.M. Barrie was born on May 9, 1860, in Kirriemuir, Scotland, the youngest of ten children. His early life was marked by a close bond with his mother, particularly after the death of his brother, which significantly influenced his imagination and storytelling. He was a quiet, introspective child and found solace in books and nature. Barrie's experiences of loss, family dynamics, and Scottish folklore later deeply informed his writing, including the creation of Peter Pan, where themes of childhood, innocence, and the desire to escape reality are prevalent.