Conformity In John Knowles A Separate Peace

In the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles, the theme of conforming, and
expressing individualism is elicited by Gene and Finny actions. Some ways the characters are forced to conform are by peer pressure, as evident in the excerpt,. In this citation, conformity is shown through Gene’s decision of complying with what Finny orders, due to peer pressure of jump off the tree, therefore nearly injuring himself. Furthermore, he realizes it wasn’t his culpability of being in that position, due to if Finny wasn't there none of this would have occurred. Even more, this led to Gene feeling a desire to assert his individualism, due to he feels that Finny has surpassed him in every way, and cause his failure, such as in his academics. As well, Phineas

finally conforms in the end when he accepts the reality of war, and that he will not be able to participate in it. Notably, in the excerpt . In this citation, Finny finally conform, due to when he sees how the war has affected Leper, and how it has destroyed him, he finally accepts the harsh reality, even more acknowledges there is nothing he can do to participate in the war. Even more, this led to Phineas expressing his individuality due to he finally decides to conform to reality he acknowledges it was Gene’s fault of his demolish. Altogether, the characters feel the desire to conform and express their individuality, due to of the circumstances being, either by peer pressure, or denial of acceptance, hence if they do not conform or express their individuality it will destroy them mentally.