A Separate Peace: Three Symbols
The three dichotomous symbols in A Separate Peace by John Knowles
reinforce the innocence and evil of the main characters, Finny and Gene. Beside
the Devon School flow two rivers on opposite sides of the school, the Naguamsett
and the Devon. The Devon provides entertainment and happiness for Gene and
Finny as they jump from the tree into the river and hold initiations into the
Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session. Finny, Gene, and their friends use
the Devon's warm water to play in during the carefree summer session. The Devon
brings out Finny's carefree character and personality when he jumps from the
limbs of the tree. Not one Upper Middler in Devon has ever jumped from the
tree; Finny becomes the first. After surfacing, Finny says that jumping from
the tree causes the most fun he has had in weeks. However, the Naguamsett and
the Devon completely contrast. When Gene and Finny emerge from the Devon, they
feel clean and refreshed.......
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Approximate Word Count: 687
Approximate Pages: 3 (260 words per double-spaced page) |