A Separate Peace Gene Character Analysis

Each person goes through a time in their life where they lose a sense of who they are. A Separate Peace by John Knowles takes us on the journey of Gene, a student at the Devon School who is attempting to distinguish himself as an individual. Throughout the novel, Gene’s and Finny’s one-sided relationship proves to be a central part in driving Gene’s actions. Although initially portrayed as a studious and friendly character, Gene displays uncharacteristic acts of violence towards his peers due to his inner turmoil as the novel progresses. The many events Gene goes through in his time at the Devon School causes him to lash out at his classmates. The scene in which Gene defends Finny from Quakenbush proves to be one of them. With Finny injured …show more content…
While at the Lepellier house, Leper declares that Gene pushed Finny out of the tree. Not only that, Leper introduces Gene to the harsh realities of war- a reality that could be his when he enlists. One cause of Gene’s attack on Leper is that the anger he felt at being accused of pushing Gene off the tree. Feeling defensive that Leper has pointed out that Gene “‘… always was a savage underneath,’” Gene knocks over Leper’s chair (145). Gene not only realizes how correct Leper is, but he also succumbs to his “savageness” by attacking Leper and shoving Finny off the tree. He attacks Leper because he does not want anyone finding out the truth and that he has not faced the truth. Gene wants everyone around him to see him as a peaceful boy and for what happened between Finny and him to stay that way. He even tries to point the blame towards Leper by calling him out on his insanity. Another cause is Leper himself. Gene is scared at what the war has done to Leper and because he does not one to be in the same boat as Leper, lashes out in discomfort at the circumstances. Leper’s actions and words set off Gene’s darker instincts which provoke his attack on

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