Kaitlyn Webb English 10 H2 A Separate Peace Questions Personal Response: If I could talk to Gene, I would tell him that

he has what seems to be a very good friend and Finny and he needs to stop over thinking, envying, and judging him, which only results in hurting them both and separating their friendship. 1. The beginning of the story takes place 15 years later in Gene s life. It is towards the end of November and described as a raw and nondescript time of year. During this season the atmosphere is described with negative adjectives, which show Gene s state of mind in fear and dread of returning to this place called Devon. 2. Finny, although a rule breaker, is loved by his teachers. His attitude is an easy-going and charismatic type of guy because he is able to get away with anything. 3. The game of blitzball is mainly about one boy having a round ball and is against everyone else who are trying to knock him down before he gets to the river. The rules are made spontaneously, which makes the game very difficult to win. Finny shows his uniqueness and great skills at sports through the making of this game. 4. Finny has won many awards including; Margaret Duke Bonaventura ribbon and prize, Devon School Contact Sport Award Presented Each Year to That Student Who in the Opinion of the Athletic Advisors Excels His Fellows in the Sportsmanlike Performance of Any Game Involving Bodily Contact, and the Winslow Galbraith Memorial Football Trophy. He also broke the school swimming record, but did not want to publicize it. This shows his humility and Christian character, and also justifies the reasons why he received his other awards 5. On the overnight trip to the beach, Gene decides that Finny is trying to make himself look better or not equal to Gene. Finny s statement I d kill myself out of jealous envy.., after Gene questions him about his feelings of Gene achieving valedictorian, leads Gene to this conclusion. When Gene realizes his mistake, he can t stand the fact that they really are unequal. 6. I think Finny is confused and believes that Gene doesn t know what he is talking about. But, as the conversation continues on and Gene pushes the subject, I think he begins to believe that maybe Gene really did try to hurt me. This is a turning point in their relationship as friends. His response is believable because of the reaction he gives, which is not consistent with his previous behavior. In this situation, Finny becomes angry and tells Gene to leave, but previously he always seemed like a calm guy who rolled with the punches. 7. In these two boys friendship, competitiveness has only pushed them farther apart as friends. If the question was asked how has competitiveness affected your friendship? to Gene and Finny, they would have different responses. Finny would probably say that is only friendly competition and it makes them closer as friends. However, Gene would most likely say that competitiveness makes him jealous and envious of Finny and he can t stand the inequality.