Mr. Smee, Captain Hook’s loyal first mate in J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic Peter Pan, is often depicted as a comical, bumbling fool. However, a closer look at the original character reveals a much more nuanced and surprisingly competent individual. It’s time to move beyond the simplistic portrayals and appreciate the original depth of Mr. Smee, a character far removed from the ineffective caricature he has become in popular culture.
The Original Mr. Smee: Barrie’s Complex Creation
In J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Mr. Smee is introduced as an intriguing figure, described as “an oddly genial man who stabbed, so to speak, without offence.” This immediately sets him apart from the purely inept image. Barrie explicitly notes Smee’s Irish background and Nonconformist religious affiliation, adding layers to his personality beyond simple buffoonery. While Barrie never reveals Smee’s first name, sparking various interpretations, it’s crucial to remember the core traits the author imbued him with.
Smee’s geniality shouldn’t be mistaken for harmlessness. He is, after all, a pirate. Barrie writes, “Smee had pleasant names for everything, and his cutlass was Johnny Corkscrew, because he wriggled it in the wound. One could mention many lovable traits in Smee. For instance, after killing, it was his spectacles he wiped instead of his weapon.” This dark humor and casual approach to violence highlight a character who is more than just comic relief; he is a functional, if unsettling, member of Captain Hook’s crew.
Misinterpretations in Adaptations: The Rise of the Bumbling Smee
Despite Barrie’s portrayal, many adaptations have unfortunately leaned into a one-dimensional, incompetent version of Mr. Smee. Disney’s animated Peter Pan is a prime example, depicting Smee as clumsy and foolish, a stark contrast to the original bo’sun. Even Bob Hoskins’ portrayal in the movie Hook, while hinting at Smee’s unsettling geniality, doesn’t fully capture the competence required of his nautical role. Hoskins, reprising the role in Syfy’s Neverland, touches on the fear Smee inspires in Neverland’s women, yet still often emphasizes the comedic ineptitude over his practical skills.
These portrayals, while often entertaining, do a disservice to the original character’s complexity. The consistent depiction of Smee as a simpleton overshadows the crucial role he plays on the Jolly Roger and the more intriguing aspects of his personality that Barrie penned.
Bo’sun Smee: Competence Beneath the Surface
Barrie describes Smee as “rather stupid,” but this should be understood in context. He is less formally educated than the sophisticated Captain Hook and perhaps lacks a deep understanding of his captain’s complex motivations. However, as the bo’sun (boatswain) of the Jolly Roger, Smee must possess significant intelligence and, more importantly, practical common sense.
The bo’sun is responsible for maintaining the entire ship’s equipment, from the rigging and sails to the anchors. They supervise the deck crew and require a working knowledge of every facet of sailing. Mr. Smee’s position necessitates competence and reliability. If the crew of the Jolly Roger were truly as inept as often portrayed, the ship would never have survived long enough to become Peter Pan’s adversaries. Smee’s functional role as bo’sun directly contradicts the purely bumbling image.
The Pathetic and Lovable Smee: A Misunderstood Trait
Another fascinating aspect of Barrie’s Smee is his capacity to evoke pity, often unknowingly. Barrie writes of Smee at his sewing machine, “pathetic Smee. I know not why he was so infinitely pathetic, unless it were because he was so pathetically unaware of it; but even strong men had to turn hastily from looking at him, and more than once on summer evenings he had touched the fount of Hook’s tears and made it flow.” This inherent pathos is often misinterpreted as simple idiocy in adaptations.
ABC’s Once Upon a Time offers a more nuanced portrayal of William Smee, played by Christopher Gauthier, depicting him as competent and even decent. This interpretation aligns more closely with Barrie’s original character, including the subtle yet powerful trait of inciting pity. Perhaps it is this very quality, mistaken for foolishness, that contributes to the widespread mischaracterization of Smee.
Conclusion: Rediscovering the Real Mr. Smee
Mr. Smee is far more than the clumsy sidekick often seen in adaptations of Peter Pan. He is a complex character, originally conceived by J.M. Barrie as a genial yet capable pirate, a functional bo’sun, and a figure capable of evoking profound pity. While comedic interpretations have their place, it’s crucial to remember and appreciate the depth and subtle mystery of the original Mr. Smee. By re-evaluating this character, we can gain a richer understanding of Barrie’s masterpiece and the fascinating individuals who populate Neverland.
