Genes Development in John Knowles A Separate Peace Essays -- Knowles

Genes Development in John Knowles A tell apart PeaceThroughout life, there is always a person who atomic number 53 strives to beat, be better than or rise above. Little does each of them neck that in the end the two actually make each other stronger. In John Knowles novel, A kick downstairs Peace (1959), he addresses sound this. The novel, told from Gene Forresters point of view, is based on a friendship and arguing between him and his friend, Finny, during World War II. The two sixteen year olds help Devon School, a private all boys school, in New Hampshire. Finny, a really athletically talented youngster, continually but unintentionally produces Gene to feel humble and insignificant, producing inevitable anger and jealousy inside Gene. During their summer session in 1942, the boys form a Super Suicide Society anyone wanting to kernel the group is required to jump from a specific tree into the outpouring river below. On one particular night, Finny tears the irritated Ge ne outdoor(a) from his studies for no reason other than to make a plunge from the tree. after(prenominal) arriving at the river, the two creep out on one of the trees limbs. equilibrate as if they were on a tightrope, Gene gives a quick detailed bounce to the limb, causing Finny to plummet to the riverbank below, severely breaking his leg. No one is aware of Genes intentional bounce of the tree limb, encouraged by his resentment toward Finny. Genes jealous action causes Finnys life to change forever. He feels frightening about what he did but cannot bring himself to tell Finny the truth. Faced with numerous great challenges, Gene struggles through the remainder of the novel trying to happen upon himself and develop into his own person. The truth about the tree incident is finally revealed shortly after Finny bre... ...now (106). That early, snowy morning Finny teaches Gene much much than he will ever learn in a classroom he teaches Gene the significance and meaning of sel f-discovery.Throughout A Separate Peace, John Knowles effectively uses his characterization of Finny to teach one of lifes superlative lessons. Although at times Gene and Finny appear to be enemies, the tests and challenges Finny presents to Gene actually cause him to blossom, making him a stronger person. Despite Finnys death, his wisdom, courage and actions live on in Gene. Gene learns that throughout life accomplishments that one works for and achieves will pass on much more reward than those handed to a person. Many times, the greatest reward is finding ones true self and discovering his or her capabilities. Works CitedKnowles, John. A Separate Peace. New York Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1959.