American Novelist, John Knowles, in his book "A Separate Peace" describes the flashback of a friendship among two boys in rural New Hampshire. Phineas and Gene's bond becomes stronger through the course of the story as they spend more time together. As the story progresses, Gene becomes envious of Phineas' talents and his happiness. Because of this, Gene shakes the branch that him and Phineas perform their ritual on, and Phineas' leg snaps for the first time. When the novel comes to a close Phineas breaks his leg again, and passes away due to a broken bone marrow that permeated to his bloodstream.Knowles uses a passive yet structured tone to effectively describe Phineas' and Gene's relationship, and the effect that Phineas had on Gene's life. Knowles utilizes symbolism in order to adequately irradiate the theme of the story through Phineas' death.
Prior to his death, Phineas possessed inner tranquility and happiness. He saw the world in a different light, and perceived every situation that he in encountered with positivity. Other characters in the book were distraught , and depression infiltrated their minds due to the war. However, Phineas' mood never altered. Even after is leg is broken he is …show more content…
When he perished he took those qualities with him. Throughout the book Phineas shields himself from the brutal outcomes of the war. Phineas talks about going into the war and “falling into step”, but only as much as his “Phineas-filled” (Knowles 196). Not only does he shield himself from the war, he shields himself from anything that is not positive. Phineas tries to teach Gene how to live everyday as if it was his last, and to enjoy life. Gene attempts to live vicariously through Phineas but it does not work. When Phineas passed Gene felt as if it was "his own funeral", and that "you do not cry in that case"(Knowles 186). This shows that not only did Phineas pass away, the identity Gene was trying to pursue perished as
Prior to his death, Phineas possessed inner tranquility and happiness. He saw the world in a different light, and perceived every situation that he in encountered with positivity. Other characters in the book were distraught , and depression infiltrated their minds due to the war. However, Phineas' mood never altered. Even after is leg is broken he is …show more content…
When he perished he took those qualities with him. Throughout the book Phineas shields himself from the brutal outcomes of the war. Phineas talks about going into the war and “falling into step”, but only as much as his “Phineas-filled” (Knowles 196). Not only does he shield himself from the war, he shields himself from anything that is not positive. Phineas tries to teach Gene how to live everyday as if it was his last, and to enjoy life. Gene attempts to live vicariously through Phineas but it does not work. When Phineas passed Gene felt as if it was "his own funeral", and that "you do not cry in that case"(Knowles 186). This shows that not only did Phineas pass away, the identity Gene was trying to pursue perished as