Реферат: Notes For A Separate Peace Essay Research

returns to Devon, a private preparatory school that he had attended

during World War II. He visits his old alma mater to specifically

visit two spots on and near campus: the First Building and a tree

beside the Devon River. His visit triggers a flashback to his

experiences during the summer session when he was sixteen years

old and an Upper Middler. The flashback is his coming of age

story and his attempt to come to grips with his experiences at

Devon and the world at large. Throughout the flashback, Gene,

serving as the first person narrator, fights a war within himself.

Gene remembers how he and Finny, his best friend and roommate,

had gone near a large tree by the river one afternoon. Finny, who

was by nature daring and spontaneous, suggested that the two of

them jump from the tree. None of the younger boys had ever dared

to do this feat before. Although Gene is frightened, he follows his

friend’s lead; he jumps because he does not want to be ridiculed by

Finny. After the jumping incident, Finny organizes the Summer

Suicide Society; all of the members of this society must jump from

the tree into the river.

Although friends, Gene and Finny are very different. While Gene

is a good student, Finny is a good athlete, probably the best at

Devon. Where Gene tends to be quiet and studious, Finny has a

vibrant, outgoing, and daring personality. Finny is also very clever,

always managing to get himself through any situation. It is not

surprising that Finny is very well liked by both teachers and

student. Gene absolutely idolizes him, considering him a hero; but

Gene also is jealous and resentful of him. Gene’s grades are

suffering because he spends too much time with Finny. He is

convinced that Finny is intentionally trying to make him a bad

student.