CHaracter Analysis of Phineas from A Separate Peace
A Separate Piece Character Analysis on Phineas
How can friendship affect one's sense of belonging? A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, demonstrates the dynamic friendship between two adolescents who attend Devon School in New Hampshire. Gene is the introverted, intelligent protagonist. Phineas is the antagonist, who possesses an extroverted personality with an impetuous nature, yet still obtains a righteous heart. They begin as close friends, but then slowly start drifting apart thanks to adolescent angst and drama. Throughout the book, Phineas’ characteristics determine his nature, and how it affects his friendship with Gene.
As the novel begins, Phineas and Gene are introduced as loyal, dependable, and devoted friends. In chapter 3, they decide to occupy themselves at the beach. Gene decided to relax, while Phineas ran around, occasionally coming to check on Gene. Gene indicates how caring Phineas is by taking into consideration, “And he did everything he could think for me” (Knowles 47). This displays the amount of care and comfort Phineas feels when around Gene. In the following chapter, Phineas decides to invite Gene to watch Leper, a minor antagonist, jump of the tree limb, without realizing that he was studying. Once Gene reveals his irritation, Phineas exclaims, “Don’t go. What the hell. It’s only a game. I didn't know you needed to study.” “Why didn't you say you had to study before” (Knowles 57-58). Although Phineas expressed this thought in an impertinent manner, he managed to reveal his thoughtful character. This gives the impression that Phineas considers and cares about Gene’s needs. It creates a stronger friendship bond between this pair of juveniles, where Phineas gains a better understanding for Gene. Phineas and Gene’s friendship is introduced as a tight, evolving bond, but, as the novel proceeds, it gradually develops into an unstable position.
As the plot continues, the friendship between these troubled youths begins to shrivel. As the
How can friendship affect one's sense of belonging? A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, demonstrates the dynamic friendship between two adolescents who attend Devon School in New Hampshire. Gene is the introverted, intelligent protagonist. Phineas is the antagonist, who possesses an extroverted personality with an impetuous nature, yet still obtains a righteous heart. They begin as close friends, but then slowly start drifting apart thanks to adolescent angst and drama. Throughout the book, Phineas’ characteristics determine his nature, and how it affects his friendship with Gene.
As the novel begins, Phineas and Gene are introduced as loyal, dependable, and devoted friends. In chapter 3, they decide to occupy themselves at the beach. Gene decided to relax, while Phineas ran around, occasionally coming to check on Gene. Gene indicates how caring Phineas is by taking into consideration, “And he did everything he could think for me” (Knowles 47). This displays the amount of care and comfort Phineas feels when around Gene. In the following chapter, Phineas decides to invite Gene to watch Leper, a minor antagonist, jump of the tree limb, without realizing that he was studying. Once Gene reveals his irritation, Phineas exclaims, “Don’t go. What the hell. It’s only a game. I didn't know you needed to study.” “Why didn't you say you had to study before” (Knowles 57-58). Although Phineas expressed this thought in an impertinent manner, he managed to reveal his thoughtful character. This gives the impression that Phineas considers and cares about Gene’s needs. It creates a stronger friendship bond between this pair of juveniles, where Phineas gains a better understanding for Gene. Phineas and Gene’s friendship is introduced as a tight, evolving bond, but, as the novel proceeds, it gradually develops into an unstable position.
As the plot continues, the friendship between these troubled youths begins to shrivel. As the