A foil in literature is someone that makes another character seem better by contrast. Since A Separate Peace is narrated from Gene's point of view, his insecurities are pitted against Finny's greatest talents. For example, Gene feels insecure because he compares his introverted self and academic achievement with Finny's extroverted personality and athletic abilities. This does not provide the satisfaction he is seeking because it is as if he is comparing the proverbial apples to oranges. As many people do, Gene sees his weaknesses in Finny's strengths. Little did he know, however, that Finny may also harbor some jealous feelings. When Gene asks Finny if he would mind if Gene graduated at the first of the class, Finny says the following:
"'Mind?' Two clear green-blue eyes looked at me. 'Fat chance you've got, anyway, with Chet Douglass around'
'But you wouldn't mind, would you?' I repeated in a lower and more distinct voice.
He gave me that half-smile of his, which had won him a thousand conflicts. 'I'd kill myself out of jealous …show more content…
Gene didn't want Finny to lose his athletic abilities for good, but once that does happen, Gene is able to become a better person. This is where the true nature of Gene and Finny as foils makes a difference in the story. Finny suffers a traumatic event that spirals him into depression and denial about the war. Gene wrestles with his conscience and how to be a better friend after witnessing and experiencing his own vengeful feelings exposed toward someone who was supposed to be his best friend. Had Finny not broken his leg and declined in his strength of character, though, Gene would not have been able to rise up out of his jealous nature to become a better person. In the end, Gene explains it best as
"'Mind?' Two clear green-blue eyes looked at me. 'Fat chance you've got, anyway, with Chet Douglass around'
'But you wouldn't mind, would you?' I repeated in a lower and more distinct voice.
He gave me that half-smile of his, which had won him a thousand conflicts. 'I'd kill myself out of jealous …show more content…
Gene didn't want Finny to lose his athletic abilities for good, but once that does happen, Gene is able to become a better person. This is where the true nature of Gene and Finny as foils makes a difference in the story. Finny suffers a traumatic event that spirals him into depression and denial about the war. Gene wrestles with his conscience and how to be a better friend after witnessing and experiencing his own vengeful feelings exposed toward someone who was supposed to be his best friend. Had Finny not broken his leg and declined in his strength of character, though, Gene would not have been able to rise up out of his jealous nature to become a better person. In the end, Gene explains it best as