Реферат: A Separate Peace Essay Research Paper Breaking

A Separate Peace Essay, Research Paper

Breaking The Mold

In John Knowle’s, A Separate Peace, there is a transformation in all the key elements in

the book, from the rivers to the tree to the seasons to the characters. The transformation is

specifically seen in Leper, Gene, and Phineas. These three young men experience a change not just

because of the transitions through adolescence. These changes also come about because of the war,

the school, and an injury.

Leper Lepellier is a very odd young man. He is quiet and is finds himself always taken by

surprise. He really is not popular and that does not concern him in any way. Leper really has no

true friends at the Devon school, but talks to Gene. He entertains himself by collecting snails,

looking for beaver damns, and skiing. His personality does not allow him to depend on anyone for

help. As time progresses and the other boys start the winter session he decides to enroll in the war.

A couple of months later Gene receives a telegram from Leper saying he is in his “Christmas

location” (131) This is the first sign that Leper demonstrates that he needs people. He realizes the

happiness, fear and anger have to be shared with others. Leper then tells Gene “I escaped” (135)

and he says he did it to please himself. He is starting to realize things that are going on in the

world. He no longer lives in his bubble.

Gene Forrester is a quiet, envious, introverted, and lonely young man. His insecurities are

especially seen when Finny is around. There is a constant rivalry through Gene’s eyes between

them. He always chooses to compete or argue with Phineas. The first example of his competitive

personality is seen when Phineas asks him to jump out of the tree. Phineas says, “you were very

good, once I shamed you into it. .. I am good for you that way. You have a tendency to back away

from things otherwise.” and Gene states “you didn’t shame anybody into anything. I never backed

away from anything in my life.” (10) Gene would have never jumped off the tree if it were not for

Finny. Gene depends on Finny as his security blanket. As time progresses the rivalry increases and

the tension in Gene’s head is gets worse. When Gene can not take anymore of Finny and his

abilities his jealousy takes control and he jounces the limb. As a result, Gene makes him fall and

injuring his leg. When Finny falls it is as if all of Gene’s prayers have been answered. Finny has to

leave Devon for the rest of the summer session and part of the winter session. During this time

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