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Explanation and Analysis—Gene and Finny:
Gene and Finny are foils to each other in A Separate Peace. The extent to which their contrasting personalities and behaviors drive the novel’s character development is also a reflection of how important Gene feels their relationship is. The dynamics between them shift dramatically after Finny’s injury; in a sense, the boys physically “switch places.” His shattered leg, which never fully heals, limits Finny’s physical abilities. It forces him into a more reflective and dependent state because he’s unable to use his body and his charisma to solve his problems or avoid trouble. Conversely, Gene tries to become more physically capable, as though he’s acting in Finny’s place.
Throughout the book Gene is introspective, analytical, and often insecure. He frequently questions how the other boys at the Devon School see him, especially because he has an inflated sense of how popular and at ease Finny is. In contrast to his own awkwardness and studiousness, to Gene a 16-year-old Finny is charismatic, carefree, and exudes an annoyingly easy confidence. These traits naturally draw others to him, which makes Gene feel like an outsider. Gene’s envy of Finny’s athletic abilities and social competence only exacerbates his feelings of incompetence and discomfort. It also deepens his self-doubt and envy of Finny’s natural charm. Even though Gene doesn’t seem like a particularly unattractive or socially awkward character—especially in the beginning of the book—Finny’s glow always makes him feel inadequate.
Gene adopts a pragmatic, sometimes cynical view of the war and life. He can’t help speaking sarcastically, even though he often regrets it, and focuses on the practicalities of his life at school. He’s more open to accepting the problems of the world and less prone to idealize things and people. Finny, however, maintains an idealistic outlook even after he’s injured. Gene sees Finny as avoiding discussions about the war as a way to reject the harsher realities of their situation. He’s both envious of and annoyed by Finny’s optimism. While Gene seeks control and order in his life, Finny likes spontaneity and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He relies on his instincts to navigate life’s uncertainties, while Gene overthinks everything before and after Finny’s death. Gene processes his issues mentally, while Finny uses his body—to disastrous effect—for everything.
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