“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.
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