First Impression Journal - Jason de Castro

When I realized that the story takes place in New Hampshire, I was amused. Partly because-due to my

ignorance of world geography-I had no idea where New Hampshire was. The second thing I noticed

was the time period in which the story takes place in. The story is set in the year 1942, during the early

years of World War 2. Aside from the fact that the events described in the book do indeed seem to be of

an earlier time, the words and terminology that the author uses also suggest that the story does not

necessarily set itself in present time even if there is no pre-existing knowledge of the book. I found this

refreshing and interesting, seeing the world through the eyes of a person set in a time not so long

before our own. The main characters (Phineas and Gene) presented in the book are intriguing to say the

least, and more so is the relationship between them. The two main characters appear to be best friends.

However, from what has been read, it is clear that their relationship-like any-is not without flaw. There

seems to be something between them; something that pulls them together while at the same time tears

them apart. So far what it appears to be is an unspoken understanding or acknowledgement of a rivalry

as well as jealousy between the two. However, the story is told from the narrative voice of Gene, who

over analyzes everything. With that said, the reader's idea of Finny's entire being is dependent on

Gene's perception of him. For all I know, Gene could have misinterpreted all of Finny's motives up until

now and therefore be completely wrong about him. Coincidentally the personalities of the two best

friends are completely opposite in contrast. Gene appears to be introverted and quiet, excelling in areas

of academic relevance. In comparison, Phineas (a.k.a. Finny) is outgoing and charismatic who is naturally

gifted in sports and activities involving athleticism. Throughout the book, I have noticed companionship,

deceit, admiration, jealousy, and hate between the two main characters, Finny and Gene. What comes

out of this is the complicated relationship between the two friends, leaving the reader contemplating

the motives behind their actions and words. Overall the book started off very slow, but the significantly

large contrast between the supposedly best friends alone was enough to prevent me from putting the

book down. The writer talks very descriptively, and in such a way that occasionally a particular line or

speech must be read over several times in order to grasp it. Imagery is something that I am constantly

aware of while reading this novel, and I am curious as to how the relationship between the two of them

will develop, and also how the characters will develop individually.

First Impressions Journal - Miguel deJesus

“A separate peace” by John Knowles is a book, which I have never heard of before and is something that seemed quite appealing to me. The overall literature content in this novel, is very descriptive and thoroughly explained. As I was reading the novel, I had a somewhat difficult time to comprehend what was going on, but as I continued, I had a better understanding. This story takes place at a boarding school in New England, and is so far describing the relationship between two close friends, Gene and Phineas. These two are best friends and it describes their everyday life in summer at the boarding school. The school campus site they are in is rather old looking and it takes place in the year of 1942. There personalities are quite different. Phineas is daring, athletic, and he has a style of getting away with things. Gene is a more reserved, quiet, respectful, and not as daring as Phineas, but will join the activities that Phineas participates in. Gene is more cautious, and likes to think things through thoroughly before attempting to do anything, such as jumping off a tree into the water.

Although there may seem to be a happy, peaceful life, the story foreshadows upcoming events. Reason being is because there is war going on during their lives which never is a pleasant thing. At the time the military looks to draft young men, as soon as they reach the age of seventeen. Although there has not been much described about the two friends being drafted, but there is a possibility, since it was the time of war. This may be the case, but this does not seem to cross the minds of Gene, and Phineas that often. These two gentlemen do many things with one another. Such things include starting a “Super Suicide Society of the Summer session!” which was when they would jump into the water off a tree. As well they would put aside other things such as skipping dinner from their boarding school, and traveling to places like the beach which were strictly forbidden. Phineas didn’t seem to care and the two of them just went to have fun. Both of them are dependent on one another and look highly about one another, showing that they value their friendship which is something relevant to all of our lives.

This book does not have much going on right now, but it seems to have a good perspective to it. Education, friendship, and war are the main plot points that I have picked up from reading the first 50 pages. One aspect of the book, where I think I would prefer more of is, action and more events occurring. Overall I was content with reading the book, and I am awaiting the upcoming events in the novel.

First Impression Journal - Cynthia Hsieh(:

The story starts from a man returning to his old school, this man is called Gene. He recalls his time in the school alongside his best friend Phineas.  Gene in his younger days is shown to be a smart, intelligent, obedient, shy student, who befriends Phineas an athletic, charming, manipulative, controlling boy. Gene also happens to be quite jealous of the way Phineas is able to talk himself out of trouble and charm the adults around him. He is a boy trying to fit in who soon finds himself under the control of his best friend. Phineas is the charming guy who kisses up to administration to get special treatment, he’s the guy who can break the rules and not get into trouble. He has this strong presence that overpowers Gene and maybe that’s why Gene is constantly jealous of how amazing his friend is.

                The story so far is based around a boarding school in England during World War II. This all boys boarding school were training to be part of the war. The scenery is explained to be calm and away from the real world. Possibly in a secluded place, also seems to be in a high class area/neighborhood from the introduction. The theme of the story seems to be of a young man going back to his boarding school, to revisit a couple of places. In the beginning of the book, it mentions that Gene is relieving some guilt and tension that he has carried with him for the past 15 years.

                The overall tone of this one particular piece seems to be of a narrator/Gene, who is reliving certain parts of his teenage years, possibly regret or a mistake. He seems to want tor relief himself of his doings by going back and visiting his old school, where there are many memories. As he goes back in time, he sees how he was controlled by his best friend Phineas and how he slowly lost who he was. Gene talks about how even if Phineas considers him his best friend, he no longer considers Phineas his best friend for he’s envious of how charismatic, manipulative and charming his friend is. Phineas being good at sports, interaction, has a strong presence disturbs Gene and feeds fuel to his lack of Self esteem

Leizel's First Impression Journal

     Following the reading of the first three chapters of this novel, my first impression was established. This story was told in first person, by a man named Gene, who returns to his former school, the Devon School. On return to the premises of the Devon school, he reminisces on the memories from his adolescences. As we are taken back to that time in his life, it is the year 1942, where World War II is in full effect, and we see its influence on Gene’s character. From my first reading, Gene appears to be a teenager who complies to the wishes of others, is struggling with his sexual orientation and is attempting to discover his place in the world. The other character that we are introduced to is Phineas who also attended the Devon School and was best friends with Gene. Phineas is the more assertive, charming, and athletic character. Based on the dynamics of this friendship which was established in the first three chapters, Phineas is the dominant one where things go as he says. It is because of this that Phineas appears to be the character foil to Gene.

     The setting of this story is on the Devon school campus located in New England. In Gene’s adolescences, the surrounding school campus is old and untidy. The area is large with many different faculty buildings as well as large fields for sports. There is also a special tree for Gene and his friends, which is located in a more secluded area alongside a river. It is here where he developed his friendships, club, and unwillingly had to face his fears. In Gene’s return to the school 15 years later, the school has been cleaned to a point where Gene is slightly taken aback by the changes. Also, the tree is now old and does not look like the tree from his youth.

     Based on the time period in which this novel occurs and what has already been presented in the novel, there are two dominant subject matters: war and the nature of friendship. Being that the Devon school is an all-boys’ school that prepares them for military life, World War II takes precedence in their lives. During their teenage years, they should be going through self-discovery, but because of the circumstances, they are being shaped into stern, military men and soldiers. As well, Gene’s and Phineas’ friendship brings the topic of the nature of friendship. It is clear that Phineas is the leader whereas Gene is the follower. Such friendship is questionable for its authenticity and begs the question of what makes a good, healthy friendship. It will be interesting to see how this friendship develops.  

     So far, this novel has a melancholy and mysterious tone. Being that this novel is told through Gene’s perspective, the tone takes after what Gene is feeling. In his revisit to his school, he looks at everything that used to be his life back in his youth. From his expression towards describing the school buildings, surrounding campus and the tree, there was never once a moment where he thought back to a funny incident. Instead, his thoughts are rather gloomy, therefore creating a melancholy tone. As well, in his recollection of his youth, every moment that happens to him is veiled with a certain mysterious aurora. It is as if when he states his feeling towards a certain event in the past, there are so many more layers to his thoughts that have yet to be delved into. It is from Gene’s unexplained behaviour and expression that creates the mysterious tone.

     From the title of this novel, “A Separate Peace”, I believe that upon further reading, Gene will be trying to find his own peace. He is struggling with his identity and the presence of Phineas only makes this more apparent. Aside from finding peace in the war, there is also an unequivocal need for Gene to gain peace with who he is, therefore, he needs a separate peace.