Critical Thinking Question Answers - Miguel deJesus

How does the "incident" change Gene's perspective of the nature of the relationship between himself and Finny?
The “incident” has changed the relationship between Gene and Phineas because there is tension between the two of them. Both of them can not seem to get over the fact that Phineas is now injured and can no longer play sports. Reason being is because Gene was the one who pushed Phineas off of the tree, resulting in the incident. There is tension because every time they bring up the “incident” Gene tells Phineas that he did it, but Phineas just simply refuses to believe it. They have gotten more emotional with one another ever since the “incident” happened. Whether is may be about the choice of activities that the two of them choose to participate in, or just regular everyday conversations. Gene realizes the harm this has done to their friendship, and is constantly feeling bad about it. Gene believes that he has to be a part of Phineas, and that Phineas has to live his athletic dreams through Gene since he can linger play sports. One thing is evident in their friendship, and is something that has not changed. The two of them depend on each other and will always be there for one another.
What is it about Finny that Gene so greatly admires about him? How does his admiration of Finny affect himself? and in what ways? 
Gene admires his best friend Phineas because of his athletic talents, and his strong personality. To Gene, Phineas is unique, in a sense that not many people can do the athletic things that Phineas is capable of doing, and his personality can really connect with people. Phineas is one of the most talented athletes Devon had ever had, and has already broken some of the school records. Gene strongly admires Phineas for that and hopes one day that he may be able to do the same athletically wise. Phineas has a way of getting away with certain things and talking people into doing things that they may not normally do. He has a way with getting through to people and getting what he wants from them. Gene believes that he has to be like Finny(Phineas), and be able to do the things that he does, such as be good at sports. Almost as if he has to be a part of him.Gene may tend to focus on Phineas’ personality more than his own. He feels that Phineas is superior to him. Often Gene forgets that he too, is talented and unique in his own way.

Critical Thinking Question Answers - Jason de Castro

While authors that choose World War 2 as the setting of a story usually write about the war itself or how the war affected someone directly, John Knowles sets A Separate Peace in this time frame but barely shows any direct or relevant connection between the characters and the war. What is he trying to accomplish by doing so?

By setting the story into the time of World War 2, while barely connecting it to any of the characters directly, the author is sending a message. Throughout the book the characters are in a constant struggle, even though they are not in the war. It is almost as if the characters are having their own personal war going on, not only between each other but inside themselves as well. "my war ended before I even put on a uniform; I was on active duty all my time at school; I killed my enemy there." (Knowles, 204) It is in this statement (Gene is speaking) that Gene implies that the true enemy wasn't anyone that he would meet on the battlefield as he went to war, but inside himself. John Knowles is trying to express that there is more to conflict than just war, and that less dramatic conflicts occur that can be equally if not more damaging to one's self as well as others. Internal conflict for example, is the one that Gene personally struggled with for the duration of his time spent at Devon Academy. Therefore, the ongoing war of World War 2 is set to contrast the conflict that the adolescents of Devon themselves struggled with.

When comparing Gene's one-sided envy dominating his relationship with Finny prior to the fall, in contrast to the codependency between them after the fall, which is the more dangerous of the two? (That is, what is most damaging or unhealthy in regards to relationships) and why?

In my opinion both types of relationships are equally dangerous; the only difference between the two is that the first one appears to be more malicious. Gene envied Finny for the longest time, and his jealousy overpowered and consumed him for a slight moment in which he impulsively pushed Finny out of the tree, ending his athletic career forever and crushing his spirit. Afterwards, the codependency began as Finny coped with the psychological pain of having his greatest dreams and goals in life abruptly ended by living through Gene. Gene on the other hand, was addicted to Finny's very presence. He was obsessed with Finny and Finny's personality, and lost himself in order to become more like his greatest idol. The reason they are both equally damaging, is because in both cases, although the intention varies slightly, the people involved lose themselves amidst the jealousy or codependency. Gene took for granted his own gifts and talents and the person he was when he decided he resented Finny for his unique talents. Finny on the other hand handed himself over to Gene, his desire and passion through the codependency that he and Gene shared. It was as if Finny had given on himself and needed to live through Gene to be content.

Answers to two Critical Questions - Cynthia Hsieh (:

Although the story takes place in a desolate school seemingly far away from the influence of war, different types of conflict do exist. What are the different kinds of conflicts or struggles taking place? and between whom?

There are many different types of conflict present in the school, such as the conflict of holding on the boys childhood. Despite being surrounded by the war, during the summer session the boys are all about having fun through their little activity of jumping off the tree. Gene and Finny know that enrolling into the war is in their future and at some point it is visible but they just brush it off and get back to their fun and games. Also the conflict of whether or not the friendship between Finny and Gene is real; this is especially seen in the summer session as Gene starts to doubt Finny’s actions. He believes that Finny is trying to take his place and become the best in both sports and academics. The rivalry presence is in the air due to the war going on and therefore resulting in double guessing the boys friendship.

Between the sharp contrast of the easygoing atmosphere of the "Summer Session" to the rather disciplined, strict atmosphere of the "Winter Session", what is the author trying to symbolize?

            As the plot progresses, the readers see the weather change. Summer brings the essence of fun and relaxing times which is portrayed in the boy’s fun and games. As the summer begins to end, a tragic “accident” occurs which brings a harsh halt to the summer fun, leading right into winter where the more difficult and more serious content of the book happens. One could say the author is using the seasons as an indicator of what a certain section is going to be like. Winter usually gives the feeling of cold, painful and much more serious than summer, this could be why the second injury and death of Finny happens during the winter time.

Leizel's Crtical Thinking Question Answers

Why is it that Finny continues to support his theory of the war being a conspiracy? Why does Gene allow himself to be taken up in Finny's illusion of peace?

Finny is a teenager residing in the suburbs of New England. Part of being a teenager, especially in his surroundings, is the sense of invincibility and immortality. To him, there are no real problems or issues that he cannot overcome. Life is carefree. Therefore, the notion of war, a problem of epic proportions, is to Finny, unbelievable. Finny lives in his own created fantasy world, and here, he is happy and does not have to be aware of the harsh reality that is war.

Finny’s best friend, Gene, is also consumed in this illusion. Part of the reason why Gene takes up this notion is because of Finny’s dominating and convincing personality. Apart from this, Gene also believes this for the same reason as Finny. To think that the war is a conspiracy is a simplistic, non-stressful thought to believe. Therefore, the two adolescent boys, with this life changing event at hand, have decided to take the easier path.

               

While authors that choose World War 2 as the setting of a story usually write about the war itself or how the war affected someone directly, John Knowles sets A Separate Peace in this time frame but barely shows any direct or relevant connection between the characters and the war. What is he trying to accomplish by doing so?

World War II is in fact important to the novel. This story is about two adolescent boys on the verge of manhood and trying to find their place in society. There is nothing like a war that will push the journey of these two boys to extremes. Therefore, it adds another exciting and dramatic dimension. As well, the theme of war is significant in that it is used to draw parallels with the struggles that the boys face. The boys, who are in an environment that is secluded from the war, are also trying to find an inner sense of peace. As the story progresses and the characters develop, war takes a more prominent role such as when boys from the school are enlisted in the military. In the end of the story, the army settles a base at the school, a place which was once war free. That final feeling and image that readers are left with when the war encroaches and takes over the school is very powerful. For this reason, the theme of war is vital to the novel and makes it a timeless classic.