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A Separate Peace: the tree symbolized


            The novel, A Separate Peace, by John Knowles takes place during World War II at a private school named Devon. This all boys" school is run very strictly. The year is 1942, during the summer session, which is implemented while the war is going on. Two of the main characters are boys that attend the school: one is the athletic successor, Finny and the other is the scholar, Gene. These boys, along with the other boys at the school find a way to pass the time by jumping out of a tree. The tree symbolizes many important points in this novel. .
             The tree represents boyhood and adventure. At a time when the boys are obliged to mature fast, they gravitate to the tree as a place where they can jump off and get away. In their imagination it is almost like they are jumping away from their ever-changing lives, and diving into a river of boyhood times. It is a place where all is off their minds and they are free to be vivacious adolescents such as Finny, ""Well," he cried out, "here's my contribution to the war effort!" and he sprang out." (834) When the boys jump off the tree it allows them to con the teachers into believing they are war training. The students at Devon feel very distant from the war, so the tree is a place where they can perceive their own secret suicide society adventures somewhat related to the war. Even when Gene is older and is looking back to his summer of 1942, the tree still reminds him of his youth and pursuit for fun.
             This particular tree also symbolizes the friendship these boys share and how Gene and Finny have different perceptions about it. The tree is a place where competition is alive and escalating in Gene's mind. However, Phineas thinks of the tree as a place were everyone can have fun. Finny initiates the tree jumping and with his natural leadership qualities and he once again leads others to join him. Gene views Finny's tree jumping talents as a threat, so in retort he starts to get more impulse oriented.


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