A Separate Peace By John Knowles: Character Analysis

Throughout life, people are constantly finding themselves, whether it be physically or mentally. The novel, A Separate Peace by John Knowles, highlights this feature. The main character Gene Forrester is repeatedly overshadowed by his best friend, Finny, this forces him through a state of anger, distrust, and aggravation. Although Gene has several attributes to be proud about, he decides to focus on Finny's actions instead. Through the use of characterization for Gene Forrester, Knowles demonstrates the fact that when one finds their own identity it allows for them to overcome hardships and undergo growth. Across the entire novel, Gene fluctuates from states of confidence to depression within minutes, this is the result of his views on

When Gene begins to reminisce, the first memories that enter his mind are that of when him and Finny are jumping off of the tree for the first time. Throughout the majority of the experience Gene questions ¨why did I let Finny talk me into stupid things” which shows his constant recurring regret (Knowles 17). Gene allows Finny to control his decisions which restricts him from thinking on his own. Gene has not yet acknowledged the presence of his identity, so he seems to feed off of Finny's actions as his own. This poor decision results in Gene not having the ability to grow based on his own actions and decisions, because he does not think on his own. Apart from not thinking on his own, Gene struggles continually with the fact that he lacks the ability to follow through on some actions. He attempts to study to pursue dreams of valedictorian, but Finny comes into his room and interrupts him with questions. Gene shrieks at Finny with rage, lecturing him about the importance of studying, but then ¨slammed the chair against the desk¨ following Finny out to the tree (57). Although Gene knows that he should be thinking on his own, he allows Finny's