Quote
"Winter's occupation seems to have conquered, overrun and destroyed everything, so that now there is no longer any resistance movement left in nature;...and now winter itself, an old, corrupt, tired conqueror, loosens its grip on the desolation, recedes a little, grows careless in its watch;sick of victory and enfeebled by the absence of challenge, its begins itself to withdraw from the ruined countryside."
Significance
I chose this because it is very obviously a metaphor for the war. The reason, I believe, it was written for winter because after the winter(or during), the boys could be drafted for the war. This time was dark and bleak for them. The war was on everyone's mind at this time, it wasn't surprising that Gene (or anyone besides Finny for that matter) was thinking about the war; how dingy his future was, how this could be the last time he could look at the winter with an air of relaxation and laziness around him.
Question
Could the "Separate Peace" not be all the boys', but Finny's?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A Separate Peace Significance Chpt 8
Quote
"Then, for no reason at all, I felt magnificent. It was as though my body until that instant had simply been lazy, as though the aches and exhaustion were all imagined, created from nothing in order to keep me from truly exerting myself." (120)
Significance
This is a call back to how Finny explained to Gene why he needs him. He said because without him, Gene would back out of things. At this point in the book, this holds true. Finny pushed him to run, and now he has a feeling of accomplishment. Maybe, Gene will change in other ways because of how Finny monitors him.
Question
It seems like Gene almost believes Finny. Is Finny's persausive nature getting Gene to beleive this conspiracy theory?
"Then, for no reason at all, I felt magnificent. It was as though my body until that instant had simply been lazy, as though the aches and exhaustion were all imagined, created from nothing in order to keep me from truly exerting myself." (120)
Significance
This is a call back to how Finny explained to Gene why he needs him. He said because without him, Gene would back out of things. At this point in the book, this holds true. Finny pushed him to run, and now he has a feeling of accomplishment. Maybe, Gene will change in other ways because of how Finny monitors him.
Question
It seems like Gene almost believes Finny. Is Finny's persausive nature getting Gene to beleive this conspiracy theory?
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Separate Piece Significance Chpt 7
Quote
"But I was used to finding something deadly lurking in anything I wanted, anything I loved. And if it wasn't there, as for example with Phineas, then I put it there myself." (101)
Significance
This is an important quote because it makes it seem that Gene almost acknowledges his over-cation, which restricts his life. Or perhaps if it is not his realization, it is a glimpse into his physique. Maybe this is the reason he takes no risks, because he sees a certain danger in everything. Or if there is not, he ends up creating one.
Question
Will Phineas' return home have an affect on Gene's contemplation about joining the army?
"But I was used to finding something deadly lurking in anything I wanted, anything I loved. And if it wasn't there, as for example with Phineas, then I put it there myself." (101)
Significance
This is an important quote because it makes it seem that Gene almost acknowledges his over-cation, which restricts his life. Or perhaps if it is not his realization, it is a glimpse into his physique. Maybe this is the reason he takes no risks, because he sees a certain danger in everything. Or if there is not, he ends up creating one.
Question
Will Phineas' return home have an affect on Gene's contemplation about joining the army?
A Separate Piece Quote Significance Chpt 2
Quote
"We reminded them what peace was like, of lives which were not bound up with destruction." (24)
Significance
One reason I chose this quote is because it illudes to the title. It talks of "A Separate Peace" that only the younger students could have. Only they could have that last summer before they were apt to be sent across oceans, to fight for their and their country's freedom. They did not have to worry, they just basked in the summer's glow, but with a certain savoring. I believe Mr. George's analogy was something like "You know those days when you look up in the sky and see a perfect patch of blue sky, then you look to the south and ominous clouds? When that happens, you're gonna play in the sunshine as long as you can because you know the rest of the day is going to be crappy. That's what life is like for these kids. The teachers are gonna let them play in the sunshine before the clouds are overhead."
Question
In the end, when Gene almost falls of the branch, could that be a foreshadow to something bad happening? Will it be to him of Finny, or will it affect both?
"We reminded them what peace was like, of lives which were not bound up with destruction." (24)
Significance
One reason I chose this quote is because it illudes to the title. It talks of "A Separate Peace" that only the younger students could have. Only they could have that last summer before they were apt to be sent across oceans, to fight for their and their country's freedom. They did not have to worry, they just basked in the summer's glow, but with a certain savoring. I believe Mr. George's analogy was something like "You know those days when you look up in the sky and see a perfect patch of blue sky, then you look to the south and ominous clouds? When that happens, you're gonna play in the sunshine as long as you can because you know the rest of the day is going to be crappy. That's what life is like for these kids. The teachers are gonna let them play in the sunshine before the clouds are overhead."
Question
In the end, when Gene almost falls of the branch, could that be a foreshadow to something bad happening? Will it be to him of Finny, or will it affect both?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Separate Piece Quote Significance Chpt 6
Quote
" "Listen, pal, if I can't play sports, you're going to play them for me," and I lost part of myself to him then, and a soaring sense of freedom revealed that this must have been my purpose from the first: to become a part of Phineas."(85)
Significance
I think this really plays into Finny's character. It also reall speaks about the friendship between the two. For Finny to say this shows he knows what Gene is thinking and he wants him to play sports anyway. He also uses his persausive nature and the 'do it for me' angle. Hopefully, this helps Gene get along, and maybe he will play a sport. Gene's reaction to this gives me high hopes for what is to come. He finally feels at ease with something, he no longer sees the bond between Finny and himself as a competition. However, I don't necessariy see this as a healthy thing, hopefully, it is just a stage and he will grow out of it before it goes too far.
Question
It seems to me that Gene is becoming more and more spontaneoous as we go on; becoming like Phineas in a way. Will we see more of a change in Gene in the future?When Phineas returns will this shift of character stop?
" "Listen, pal, if I can't play sports, you're going to play them for me," and I lost part of myself to him then, and a soaring sense of freedom revealed that this must have been my purpose from the first: to become a part of Phineas."(85)
Significance
I think this really plays into Finny's character. It also reall speaks about the friendship between the two. For Finny to say this shows he knows what Gene is thinking and he wants him to play sports anyway. He also uses his persausive nature and the 'do it for me' angle. Hopefully, this helps Gene get along, and maybe he will play a sport. Gene's reaction to this gives me high hopes for what is to come. He finally feels at ease with something, he no longer sees the bond between Finny and himself as a competition. However, I don't necessariy see this as a healthy thing, hopefully, it is just a stage and he will grow out of it before it goes too far.
Question
It seems to me that Gene is becoming more and more spontaneoous as we go on; becoming like Phineas in a way. Will we see more of a change in Gene in the future?When Phineas returns will this shift of character stop?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Separate Peace Significance Chpt 5
Quote
"I was Phineas, Phineas to the life. I even had his humorous expression in my face, his sharp, optimistic awareness. I had no idea why this gave me such intense relief, but it seemed, standing there in Finny's triumphant shirt, that I would never stumble through the confusions of my own character again."(62)
Significance
Here we catch Gene doing something very odd. I think Gene does this for one of two reasons. One is he wanted Finny to be there, so by putting on Finny's clothes, Gene recreates Finny's presence. Another is Gene is so confused by what's going on in his life, he wants to be someone else. So he puts on Finny's clothes and tries to be him. Which ever the reason, this action seems to calm Gene, that is until he sleeps, then wakes up either without Finny or as himself.
Question
On page 67, Gene and friends are making their way to Finny's house. In their travels, Gene describes the street that Finny's house is on. The way he describe the street remined me of how he described Gilman Street. What supports my idea is Finny's address is not revealed. What refutes it(which I just remembered) is that Finny lives in Boston. But still my question:Could it be the same street?
"I was Phineas, Phineas to the life. I even had his humorous expression in my face, his sharp, optimistic awareness. I had no idea why this gave me such intense relief, but it seemed, standing there in Finny's triumphant shirt, that I would never stumble through the confusions of my own character again."(62)
Significance
Here we catch Gene doing something very odd. I think Gene does this for one of two reasons. One is he wanted Finny to be there, so by putting on Finny's clothes, Gene recreates Finny's presence. Another is Gene is so confused by what's going on in his life, he wants to be someone else. So he puts on Finny's clothes and tries to be him. Which ever the reason, this action seems to calm Gene, that is until he sleeps, then wakes up either without Finny or as himself.
Question
On page 67, Gene and friends are making their way to Finny's house. In their travels, Gene describes the street that Finny's house is on. The way he describe the street remined me of how he described Gilman Street. What supports my idea is Finny's address is not revealed. What refutes it(which I just remembered) is that Finny lives in Boston. But still my question:Could it be the same street?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Separate Piece Quote Significance Chpt 4
Quote
"I found it. I found a single sustaining thought. The thought was, You and Phineas are even already. You are even in enmity. You are both driving coldly driving ahead for yourselves alone."(53)
"Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us. I was not of the same quality as he."
Significance
Thinking is a dangerous game, and like any other sport you have to be aware of and accept the possiblities. In football, you have to risk getting your knee taken out by the 250 pound defensemen as you try to run in the touchdown. In baseball, you run the risk of being smashed in the face by that leather sphere wizzing past your head at 70 miles per hour. In thinking, you risk realize, true or not, something you never wanted to think about. You go out of your comfort to zone to see what is real, and what is not. Sometimes you do not like what you find, and that is the risk you take, but to me, it seems like more than any injury a sport can give you. In football, your knee will heal over time. In baseball, the swelling will cease and the bruises will fade. But with thinking, when you realise something, it is with you forever. No matter whether you ever want to remember it or not. I think that is the hardest lesson Gene learns in this chapter. But his mistake is he gives into paranoia, and makes assumptions about Finny's motivations, about his true goals. His emotions change his actions, and he becomes angry at Finny. Finny did nothing, and want to try to apologise for whatever it is that Gene is blaming him for, but Gene childishly refuses such and makes a rash decision. Gene is over thinking things way too much about everything and cannot just take things as pure or natural. This really will come back to haunt him later, I know this.
Question
Why does Gene feel this way? Or why does he over think things? Was he just born that way or did something happen?
"I found it. I found a single sustaining thought. The thought was, You and Phineas are even already. You are even in enmity. You are both driving coldly driving ahead for yourselves alone."(53)
"Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us. I was not of the same quality as he."
Significance
Thinking is a dangerous game, and like any other sport you have to be aware of and accept the possiblities. In football, you have to risk getting your knee taken out by the 250 pound defensemen as you try to run in the touchdown. In baseball, you run the risk of being smashed in the face by that leather sphere wizzing past your head at 70 miles per hour. In thinking, you risk realize, true or not, something you never wanted to think about. You go out of your comfort to zone to see what is real, and what is not. Sometimes you do not like what you find, and that is the risk you take, but to me, it seems like more than any injury a sport can give you. In football, your knee will heal over time. In baseball, the swelling will cease and the bruises will fade. But with thinking, when you realise something, it is with you forever. No matter whether you ever want to remember it or not. I think that is the hardest lesson Gene learns in this chapter. But his mistake is he gives into paranoia, and makes assumptions about Finny's motivations, about his true goals. His emotions change his actions, and he becomes angry at Finny. Finny did nothing, and want to try to apologise for whatever it is that Gene is blaming him for, but Gene childishly refuses such and makes a rash decision. Gene is over thinking things way too much about everything and cannot just take things as pure or natural. This really will come back to haunt him later, I know this.
Question
Why does Gene feel this way? Or why does he over think things? Was he just born that way or did something happen?
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Separate Piece Quote Significance Chpt 3
Quote
"I should have told him then that he was my best friend also rounded off what he had said. I started to;I nearly did. But something held me back. Perhaps I was stopped by that level of feeling, deeper than thought, which contains the truth."(48)
Significance
This quote shows a trait in Gene that might occur subconsciously. It seems he is almost afraid to be happy, and by that he must be himself. He wants to tell Finny how good of a friend he is, but something in his mind will not let him. Is his mind worried of being happy for fear of it being all for naught? Or is it that his mind won't let him be happy because he envies Finny too much? It seems that each chapter delves deeper into Gene's mind;perhaps, soon we will know why he won't speak his mind or be true to his emotions.
Question
Will this lack of showing or acting apon emotions come back to haunt Gene?
P.S.
Seriously, this plot reminds me of "Fight Club". Especially when the make their own club (see the connection now? and how they're weren't supposed to talk about it? I think David Fincher's gonna sue somebody.)And the thing when Finny makes up Blitzball, it was totally like the movie "Baseketball"! Anyone, anyone? I CANNOT be alone on this...
"I should have told him then that he was my best friend also rounded off what he had said. I started to;I nearly did. But something held me back. Perhaps I was stopped by that level of feeling, deeper than thought, which contains the truth."(48)
Significance
This quote shows a trait in Gene that might occur subconsciously. It seems he is almost afraid to be happy, and by that he must be himself. He wants to tell Finny how good of a friend he is, but something in his mind will not let him. Is his mind worried of being happy for fear of it being all for naught? Or is it that his mind won't let him be happy because he envies Finny too much? It seems that each chapter delves deeper into Gene's mind;perhaps, soon we will know why he won't speak his mind or be true to his emotions.
Question
Will this lack of showing or acting apon emotions come back to haunt Gene?
P.S.
Seriously, this plot reminds me of "Fight Club". Especially when the make their own club (see the connection now? and how they're weren't supposed to talk about it? I think David Fincher's gonna sue somebody.)And the thing when Finny makes up Blitzball, it was totally like the movie "Baseketball"! Anyone, anyone? I CANNOT be alone on this...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Seperate Peace Characterization/Chpt 1
Quote
"Oh yes I did. I'm good for you in that way. You have a tendency to back away from things otherwise."(18)
Significance
This is significant because this is a foreshadowing that not many of us may remember(now that I am re-writing this). Within this small quote and everyday statement lies why Finny is such a good mach for Gene, and what is one(sadly) of Gene's problems. Finny is very spontaneous and somewhat forceful. This causes Gene to try new things, be spontaneous, or carry through with ideas, all of which he desperately needs to do.
Narrator (Gene)
Careful, Self-conscious, Detail-orientated, Good memory, Competitive.
"more elegant and more lifeless...when specters seemed to go up and down them with me."(11-12)
Phineas (Finny)
Courageous, Spontaneous, Natural, Persuasive, Lovable <3.(Slightly idiosyncratic)
"that voice of his, the equivalent sound of a hypnotist's eyes,...He opened his green eyes wider and gave us his maniac look, and only the smirk on his wide mouth with its droll, slightly protruding upper lip reassured us that he wasn't completely goofy." (14)
Question
Seriously, what is the main character's name? Is this going to be some Fight Club thing? Like we don't know his name until the end so *expletive deleted for all those who haven't seen it*?
"Oh yes I did. I'm good for you in that way. You have a tendency to back away from things otherwise."(18)
Significance
This is significant because this is a foreshadowing that not many of us may remember(now that I am re-writing this). Within this small quote and everyday statement lies why Finny is such a good mach for Gene, and what is one(sadly) of Gene's problems. Finny is very spontaneous and somewhat forceful. This causes Gene to try new things, be spontaneous, or carry through with ideas, all of which he desperately needs to do.
Narrator (Gene)
Careful, Self-conscious, Detail-orientated, Good memory, Competitive.
"more elegant and more lifeless...when specters seemed to go up and down them with me."(11-12)
Phineas (Finny)
Courageous, Spontaneous, Natural, Persuasive, Lovable <3.(Slightly idiosyncratic)
"that voice of his, the equivalent sound of a hypnotist's eyes,...He opened his green eyes wider and gave us his maniac look, and only the smirk on his wide mouth with its droll, slightly protruding upper lip reassured us that he wasn't completely goofy." (14)
Question
Seriously, what is the main character's name? Is this going to be some Fight Club thing? Like we don't know his name until the end so *expletive deleted for all those who haven't seen it*?
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