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.