The book, A Separate Peace by John Knowles, is a fiction book based at a New England private boarding school for high school boys in the year of 1942. This book covers the up and down roller coaster of a relationship between Phineas, also known as Finny, and his best friend Gene. The two boys became best friends after one day in the summer session when they jumped out of a tree used to train boys for their physical expectations of the military. World War II has begun and all of America has felt its grasp. The school’s environment changed completely after the war began. In many ways, the school changed to accommodate the war efforts, such as, more recruiters coming to inspire the young men, the school involved a physical training program to
…show more content…
The group of boys who were working, including Gene ad Brinker, walked upon Leper. He had been off skiing through the woods looking for a beaver dam. Unsatisfied with Leper’s response, Brinker said, “It was a winter wonderland, every minute,” And out of the side of his mouth, to me, “Everybody in this place is either a draft-dodging Kraut or a… a…,” the scornful force of his tone turned the word into a curse, “a nat-u-ral-ist!” He grabbed my arm agitatedly. “I’m giving it up, I’m going to enlist. Tomorrow.” (Knowles p.100) This quote shows the meaning of pressure to enlist. The pressure of not doing enough, or the pressure of disappointment shoved Brinker in the right way to enlist. Other have also seen how enlisting can affect the young boys at Devon. An article, “Themes and Construction: A Separate Peace.” By Gale, the author expresses how the American war effort effects the boys at home. “The idea of advoiding military service in World War II was unthinkable to most young men; the questions were when they would be called to serve and which branch of the military would accept them.” (Themes and Construction)The uncertainty of when you might be drafted, or if you ever will, or what branch will accept you, is a great deal of pressure most don’t realize. To some, it might be a chore and to others it’s their life. Life at Devon wasn’t always about enlisting the 17-18 year olds, but preparing them for Basic Combat Training
The group of boys who were working, including Gene ad Brinker, walked upon Leper. He had been off skiing through the woods looking for a beaver dam. Unsatisfied with Leper’s response, Brinker said, “It was a winter wonderland, every minute,” And out of the side of his mouth, to me, “Everybody in this place is either a draft-dodging Kraut or a… a…,” the scornful force of his tone turned the word into a curse, “a nat-u-ral-ist!” He grabbed my arm agitatedly. “I’m giving it up, I’m going to enlist. Tomorrow.” (Knowles p.100) This quote shows the meaning of pressure to enlist. The pressure of not doing enough, or the pressure of disappointment shoved Brinker in the right way to enlist. Other have also seen how enlisting can affect the young boys at Devon. An article, “Themes and Construction: A Separate Peace.” By Gale, the author expresses how the American war effort effects the boys at home. “The idea of advoiding military service in World War II was unthinkable to most young men; the questions were when they would be called to serve and which branch of the military would accept them.” (Themes and Construction)The uncertainty of when you might be drafted, or if you ever will, or what branch will accept you, is a great deal of pressure most don’t realize. To some, it might be a chore and to others it’s their life. Life at Devon wasn’t always about enlisting the 17-18 year olds, but preparing them for Basic Combat Training