On the tree limb with his friend, Gene acts recklessly and instinctively, and expresses his anger on Finny on his understanding of Finny never once being jealous of him. Unconsciously, Gene is found jouncing the limb, causing Finny to fall. The physical tension holding Gene captive suddenly frees him, and for the first time without fear, Gene jumps from the tree. While doing this, Gene’s perspective of himself and the world is restored; his childish ways of thinking are recreated into his mind. In the same sense, when describing his actions on the limb, he insists that it wasn't his fault, but his knees were to blame. After several times, again, Gene finds comfort in resorting and taking shelter in a childish and self-centered defense.
