In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, two school-aged friends, Phineas and Gene, go through many trials and tribulations together that mold Gene from a very dependent person to a very independent person. During World War II, Phineas (Finny) and Gene are juniors at a New England prep school called Devon. Many of their friends are being drafted into the war. However, they are unaware of the threat of enlistment, thinking the war is a …showed first 75 words of 1225 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1225 total…to be able to exist on ones own and make decisions for oneself. Gene is totally sure of himself because the person he relied on for almost everything (Finny) suddenly becomes absent, forcing him to become independent on his own. He is forced to learn how to fight for himself when nowone is around to protect him. Finny teaches Gene this important lesson, through death, and shows Gene more about himself as a human being.