Imagine what it would be like to live during a world war, and the internal and external conflicts one must face because of it. In the book A Separate Peace by John Knowles, The boys at the Devon school deal with war in their everyday lives. Both of the characters Leper and Finny are forced to face the reality of world war II in different ways. Leper and Finny’s experiences with war impact each significantly, although both result in a major loss of innocence. Leper’s naivety about what it would be like to enlist was the beginning of his downfall. After seeing the ski film, Leper states “‘I always thought the war would come for me when it wanted me,’” (125). As somebody who loves nature, he overlooks the fact that not everything in the military
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“To Leper it revealed what all of us were seeking: a recognizable and friendly face to the war’” (124). For every character, the war had an intimidating presence that they would all come face to face with eventually. Gene says friendly face to tell Leper’s new view of it, like how people in their everyday lives try to make the most out of a horrible situation. While discussing sports during the war, Phineas says “‘Don’t be a sap,’ he gazed with cool self-possession at me. ‘There isn’t any war’” (115). Finny’s character represents the dangers that comes with shutting out the bad in the world. Living without acknowledging the events around oneself in ignorant bliss only prevents from one growing up. During the trial, Leper says at Brinker “You always did take me for a fool, didn’t you? But I’m no fool any more. I know when I have information that might be dangerous’” (176). Leper’s ignorance made him grow cold, and turn away from who he was before enlistment. This shows just how harsh unwanted realization can be, and the negative effects it has on a person. Overall, the characters in this novel show important themes of what it is to come of
“To Leper it revealed what all of us were seeking: a recognizable and friendly face to the war’” (124). For every character, the war had an intimidating presence that they would all come face to face with eventually. Gene says friendly face to tell Leper’s new view of it, like how people in their everyday lives try to make the most out of a horrible situation. While discussing sports during the war, Phineas says “‘Don’t be a sap,’ he gazed with cool self-possession at me. ‘There isn’t any war’” (115). Finny’s character represents the dangers that comes with shutting out the bad in the world. Living without acknowledging the events around oneself in ignorant bliss only prevents from one growing up. During the trial, Leper says at Brinker “You always did take me for a fool, didn’t you? But I’m no fool any more. I know when I have information that might be dangerous’” (176). Leper’s ignorance made him grow cold, and turn away from who he was before enlistment. This shows just how harsh unwanted realization can be, and the negative effects it has on a person. Overall, the characters in this novel show important themes of what it is to come of