Throughout the novel the readers understands that Gene is jealous of Finny. Finny’s selfish and egotistical personality stems from his pampered and privileged life back home- where everyone is at his service. When Finny puts on his pink polo, Gene “couldn’t help [but envy] him” (25). The symbol of the pink polo displays how charming Finny is and how he can ‘get away with anything’, especially wearing a pink polo and not being called homophobic names. This is a significant moment in the novel, for this is where the reader first recognizes Finny’s impact on Gene. Finny is described as such “an extraordinary athlete” (16), and because of his social and athletic success, Gene feels the need to be more studious and excellent in academics. The constant
