A Separate Peace by John Knowles has a significant meaning in the title. In the book two main characters Gene and Phineas (Finny) struggle to find peace while living at Devon; a prep school and in the time of World War Two. Gene and Finny struggle through many conflicts and find ways to overcome them. A Separate Peace is used as the title because of the way the characters find peace in their own lives, deal with conflicts, and to become comfortable with themselves.
Peace may be achieved in many different ways, one is by breaking down an enemy. The only way for Gene to find peace is to break down his enemy who is thought to be his best friend, Finny. Jealousy is a feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages. Gene slowly becomes jealous of his roommate Finny because of his charisma and his ability to be liked by everyone and get away with anything. Not only is Gene jealous of Finnys personality, but he also envy’s that he is a top athlete at Devon. This first started when Finny wore the school tie as …show more content…
“Finny is separate from all traits negative in nature.” (Edublogs) Finny is easily likable and is often seen as a leader and a role model. Throughout the conflicts in the book Gene learns that he is actually meant to learn from Finny and become a part of Finny’s personality. Slowly Gene becomes more comfortable with himself as he is killing his enemy. Eventually when Gene ills his enemy he is now at peace with himself, feeling no sympathy for his actions. Visiting back at Devon he remembers everything that he has experienced at his time at the boarding school during the war, Gene feels serenity and