A Separate Peace Critical Analysis

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Critical Lens Essay Existing problems in society terrorize people and cause them to realize their surroundings. Theodore Roethke once said, “In a dark time, the eyes begin to see.” In times of trouble and conflict, people begin to exhibit caution and awareness more often. For moments such as these, accusations are thrown around. This quote is supported by a number of pieces of literature. Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, portrays this statement through the slaughters done by Macbeth the main character. Gene Forreser from A Separate Peace, by John Knowles similarly is blamed for harming his best friend Phineas. Both characters due to their actions, caused a dark time to occur. When moments of distress and conflict ensue, society begins to…show more content…
While he entered the school hoping to achieve high grades and befriend many new people, his actions caused grief and guilt. Rooming at the school with his best friend Phineas, Gene becomes jealous of his very own friend. Finny’s perfect nature, athleticism, and ability to shrug off life all seemed crazy to Gene. The author characterizes Gene as a goodie two shoes; always following the rules and attempting to exceed in academics. The protagonist’s affection for his friend soon transformed into hate and spite. Gene jostles the branch on which Finny stands before jumping off a tree which leads to him falling and shattering his leg. Knowles uses the theme of betrayal which arouses the students at Devon to ponder the reasoning behind Finny’s fall. Meanwhile, Gene begins to change and feels massive guilt and sorrow for committing his crime. The entire school is grief-stricken and peers such as Brinker begin to scope out the culprits of the ‘accident.’ The entire school begins to open their eyes and observe any possible criminals. Eyes lock onto Gene and even a mock trial is set up for him. The main character understands his mistake however his actions have caused his best friend’s death. Gene Forrester stirs up Devon school due to his careless

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