The theme in the novel A Separate Peace written by John Knowles is that of identity versus codependency. The main characters, Finny and Gene, maintain a friendship that appears to be based on jealousy. Gene envies Finny’s free will spirit and in this, Gene fosters a savage, almost dark side. The novel explores and delves into the relationship of these two friends, where it is revealed to the reader that these boys do not wish to mature. They do not wish to grow up. It is in this adventure that the plot unfolds and makes its connection to the title of this novel. A Separate Peace follows the lives of Finny and Gene, who appear to be a model of friendship. It is illustrated that these two become dependant upon each other emotionally and almost
…show more content…
I did not cry even when I stood watching him being lowered into his family’s strait-laced burial ground outside of Boston. I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case.”
This excerpt illustrates the theme that these two boys rely on each other in order to feel fulfilled; almost like a false peace. A Separate Peace is a coming of age story, it is viewed through the flashback of Gene. It can be inferred that Gene and his friend Finny are codependent, meaning that they rely on one another to fulfill themselves and their need to discover who they are as people. It is Gene who realizes that true peace does not derive from dependence, but rather discovering one’s true identity. Gene realizes in chapter three;
“Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him. It is the moment when his emotions achieve their most powerful sway over him, and afterward when you say to this person “the world today” or “life” or “reality” he will assume that you mean this moment, even if it is fifty years past.”
Despite Gene’s view that he is inferior to people like Finny, he accepts that he is now who he needs to be and what he really
I did not cry even when I stood watching him being lowered into his family’s strait-laced burial ground outside of Boston. I could not escape a feeling that this was my own funeral, and you do not cry in that case.”
This excerpt illustrates the theme that these two boys rely on each other in order to feel fulfilled; almost like a false peace. A Separate Peace is a coming of age story, it is viewed through the flashback of Gene. It can be inferred that Gene and his friend Finny are codependent, meaning that they rely on one another to fulfill themselves and their need to discover who they are as people. It is Gene who realizes that true peace does not derive from dependence, but rather discovering one’s true identity. Gene realizes in chapter three;
“Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him. It is the moment when his emotions achieve their most powerful sway over him, and afterward when you say to this person “the world today” or “life” or “reality” he will assume that you mean this moment, even if it is fifty years past.”
Despite Gene’s view that he is inferior to people like Finny, he accepts that he is now who he needs to be and what he really