Gene's Transformation In A Separate Peace

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Transition from childhood to adulthood Set in 1943 at an all boys’ boarding school in New England during the early years of World War II, A Separate Peace is an alarming and bright story of the twisted path of adolescence. The author, John Knowles, bases the entire story around a friendship created during a summer session. He tells of this friendship with a flashback by one of the friends. The story begins with the introduction of Gene Forrester, all grown up returning to the Devon school, which he had attended fifteen years ago. Gene is the narrator throughout the novel; thus, making the readers feel as if they were him. His perspective throughout the story helps the reader understand every thought that went through Gene’s head during…show more content…
This jealousy causes conflicts. Phineas assumes that everyone thinks like he does, and often acts selfishly, insisting that he and Gene do whatever he wants. His carefree, self-centered attitude adds to Gene’s resentment toward Phineas. Phineas, only aware of himself and seeing only the good in others, never seems to pick up on Gene’s inner uproar. Phineas is an influential, charming figure, and a genuine good guy. He inspires in Gene loyalty and jealousy at the same time. In his head, Gene creates Phineas as his enemy and thinks that Phineas resents him for his academic success. However, the reader soon realizes that in fact, it is Gene who resents Phineas for the lack of resentment he has toward Gene. Because the novel was set in the early years of World War II, a major theme throughout the story is war. Gene somehow created his own private war placing Phineas as the enemy. Although the one event that is the focus of the novel occurs very early on, the book holds the reader's interest until the very last word. It is an interesting novel of the war and a friendship between two boys. Every part of this story is critical to the outcome. A Separate Peace is filled with mystery, symbolism, drama, and comedy. The plot takes many twists and turns that eventually lead to a surprising ending. If you ever wanted to get an insight on a complicated friendship this is the book to

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