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A Separate Peace John Knowles Setting: The work is set at Devon, a private boarding school in New Hampshire on the Atlantic Coast during World War II. Two rivers run through the school's campus, one is the Devon River (fresh water) and the other is the Naguamsett River (salt water, swamp like consistency). Some of the work's action revolves around a predominate oak tree overhanging a creek. Background Information: The novel begins with the main character, Gene and Finny, at Devon for a summer session. The school hopes that this session will allow the students to receive a diploma before they are drafted on their eighteenth birthday. Gene and Finny are roommates and friends at the school. Finny is a natural athlete who also acts as a leader for the other boys in the school; devising games like Blitzball, and organizing the Winter Carnival. However, Gene is more academically oriented in his interests and is jealous of Finny's natural ability in sports, a quality he lacks in academics. Major Characters: Gene Forester: This character is the protagonist whose envy of Finny eventually leads to his untimely demise. He is also suspicious of Finny's motivations since his cynical attitude causes him to think that no individual could be as completely pure as Finny. So, he projects his own devious nature on other people. Phineas: He is a nonconformist who fails to acknowledge school regulations and tradition. This behavior is illustrated in his consistent lateness to dinner, wearing the school tie as a belt, wearing a pink shirt, and organizing the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session. Brinker Hadley: This character is an elitist student leader that is concerned about losing his power to Finny's popularity. Edward Lepellier: He is an isolationist that was ridiculed by his classmates. He is important in the events of the novel since he was present when Finny "fell" from the oak tree. Leper surprises his classmates by choosing to enlist in the paratroopers after watching an army recruiter video, although he later deserts the army and returns to his Vermont home suffering insanity. Plot Summary: The novel begins with Gene revisiting Devon several years after graduating to reflect on the incidents that occurred during the summer session. The first incident that Gene recounts indicates his dislike of Finny's attitude toward authority is when they attend a tea. Finny wears the school's tie as a belt and dresses in a pink shirt. Gene remarks that Finny is the only person who could "get away" with such an outfit. Later in the novel, Finny creates the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session and places Gene and himself as the leaders. In addition he conceives of the idea that he and Gene should jump from the tree at once. This is a very dangerous action because they must jump outward to land in the water or else they hit the ground. During the first jump, Gene loses his balance and Finny grabs his arm to steady him without thinking. During another jump, Gene jounces the limb and Finny reaches out to him for help; yet Gene allows him to fall, causing him to break his leg. Gene begins to feel guilty for his actions and realizes his own jealousy of Finny. Finny refuses to acknowledge the fact that Gene pushed him out of the tree, because it conflicts with his idea of everybody being innately good. Yet, at the end of the novel Finny begins to accept the truth after being questioned by Brinker. He then attempts to run away and trips down the stairs, breaking his leg once again. During the operation, some of the bone marrow enters his bloodstream and he dies. Themes: • Jealousy: Gene is envious of Finny's natural athletic ability. • Irresponsibility: Finny refuses to follow the school's regulations • Denial: Finny denies that Gene pushed him out of the tree, since he believes that all people are innately good. • Insecurity: Gene is insecure about his own ability and intelligence. Key Issues: 1. Gene is jealous of Finny's natural athletic ability and fluid walk, but believes he compensates for this lack of ability by excelling in academics. Gene leads himself to believe that Finny is attempting to sabotage his academic success with nights at the beach, and the Super Suicide Society.
Approximate Word count = 2852
Approximate Pages = 11.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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