Essay Database

Friendship is the main theme in John Knowles’ novel A Separate Peace. Gene Forrester, an intellectual student and Finny, his roommate at Devon School who is usually misbehaving, has charismatic ways, which usually exempt him from punishment. The two have opposing interests and personalities, yet still remain close friends. Gene, envying Finnys’ athletic ability, thinks that Finny, in return, envies his academic achievements, and he suspects that Finny is trying to divert him from his …

…Gene goes to the school many years later, recalling all these incidents, wanting to see his friend one more time. This novel is a clear example of what friends do for each other and how friends act. With out Finny’s friendship for Gene, or Gene’s friendship for Finny, it is questionable that the story would not have ended the way it did. Friendship can evidently alter ones life, as this novel noticeably shows.