annej
New Member
Posts: 11 
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Post by annej on Oct 29, 2015 22:14:16 GMT
In A Separate Peace, setting plays a huge role in Gene’s coming of age. First of all, the whole novel takes place during World War II, which in itself provides a large obstacle for these boys to overcome. However, because the boys are so secluded from the outside world, I feel as though they are never truly exposed to the horrors of this war, therefore keeping them, for a while, in their childhood state. They spend their whole summer being careless, making great memories, and having a good time together without ever worrying about this war. Finny even doubts it is even real. In a way, the Devon school represented a “separate peace” for these boys. It allowed them to pass a portion of the war in peace and tranquility, allowing them to enjoy their childhood. However, after Finny’s fall, the reality of, not only the war, but Gene’s life, began crashing down. He began to realize that he could not just live his life pretending there wasn’t a war, and he felt that he was responsible for taking action. This invoked many thoughts into Gene’s mind about enlisting and making a role for himself in society. He realized that he needed to commence his climb into adulthood, so he took actions that would lead him in the right direction. However, because of Gene’s inability to cope with reality, due to his inexperience, he allowed Finny to pull him back to childhood. It is not until much later in the story where Gene realizes his place and his responsibilities. He saw Leper going into the war very excitedly, and returning torn apart. He saw his best friend struggle as a result of his actions. And he saw himself turn into a man that he never thought he would be. If Gene had grown up in a different atmosphere, in a different setting, or at a different time, his development into adulthood would have been very different. This is why the setting of A Separate Peace is crucial in the analyzing and understanding of Gene’s maturation.
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Post by subhanikp on Oct 31, 2015 15:00:23 GMT
Though I do agree that the setting and time of the novel impact the development of all the characters, I also believe that the situations and relationships of the characters play important roles as well. For example, the lack of adult intervention in Devon Prep really forces the young teens to grow by themselves. In addition, the teens do not have their families to support them and teach them their values and morals. The boys are essentially on their own during these peak growth years of fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen. This lack of grown adults hinders the development of the boys. Had Devon employed adult teachers who the students would have looked up to, the teens would have had an easier time finding themselves during these tumultuous times. I believe that is arguably the leading factor that affects the coming of age of all the characters.
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Post by g00dva1b5 on Oct 31, 2015 22:54:49 GMT
Although you are right, Subhanik, that the lack of adults in the lives of the students at Devon Prep plays a role in the development of Gene and the other characters, it is important to consider why there were very few adult figures in the lives of the characters. First of all, the reason for the absence of adults is the fact that some of the adults were serving in the war itself. Therefore, few adults were present during the time at which Gene and his grade were at Devon Prep. Also, it is important to consider the fact that Gene's grade consisted of only Upper Middlers, and that there was still the seniors, who were older. The remaining teachers at Devon Prep were focusing all of their attention on the seniors as they were coming closer and closer to enlisting in the War. This led to a third reason for which the adults at Devon Prep were of no use for Gene and his fellow characters. The adults at Devon Prep already had a mentality that was strongly influenced by World War II and preparing students to enlist and serve in the War, and this showed in their lack of help or empathy for the Devon Prep students during their coming of age. Therefore, I agree with Anne in arguing that the setting of the World War II-era played the largest role in the coming of age of characters.
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