In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, two symbols that are key to the novel are the two rivers; Devon and Naguamsett. The Devon River is perceived to be immaculate and more pure than the Naguamsett, which Gene views himself as, and Finny as the perfect Devon. In the novel, Gene felt as if Finny was always the entertaining person and he was the complete opposite. The rivers were always compared to each other much like Gene and Finny. The Devon was often referred to as “… the fresh water Devon…where [they] had so much fun, all the summer” (Knowles 76). The Devon was always being used and was the first place to go. Gene and the others during the summer always played in the Devon every chance they got. They even jumped off the tree and into the
