The fictional novel A separate peace by John Knowles conveys the characteristics of the narrator through the shifts of the setting.Throughout the text, the narrator displays a lack of independence and leadership.The butt room,the tree,and time period are settings that reveal the characteristics of the narrator. Throughout the butt room, Gene revealed characteristics of denial.The Butt room was not only the dungeon, but it was the place where Gene was sent for confession. During A Separate Peace, Brinker Hadley announces ,“Here’s your prisoner,gentlemen…”(Knowles Page.89) A confession was overrated for Gene because although Phineas didn't want to believe him about the tree incident everyone else believed differently. Brinker accused …show more content…
e.Gene was accused of “doing away with his roommate” because everyone knew Gene would like a room to himself.With the breaking of Phineas's leg, it brought upon a surreal situation.Dwelling on his mistakes Gene was …show more content…
While the adult Gene recalls the tree as an enormous, forbidding structure, when he actually rediscovers it, the tree appears much smaller and similar to all the other trees in the vicinity.” (TNTEL.TNSOS.org) During Gene’s days at Devon, the tree was one of the factors of his fears.The thought of the tree hung depression,weary,and more upon Gene.He always saw the tree to be huge,scary,and a nightmare he wishes he could escape.While returning to Devon as an adult he examined the tree wondering why was he so scared of it.Wondering how could something so simple bring fear upon him. The symbolization of the tree varied on specific activities. The symbolism of discipline and authority exemplify the tree.Along with the many other fears of Gene, the tree symbolized his insecurities and lack of self-confidence.Gene, Phineas, and their friends use it to jump into the river in a friendly sort of adventure game. Mastering the courage of leaping upon heights beyond their level.With Gene’s inaccurate thoughts of rivalry between Phineas and him,Gene said, ”Holding firmly to the trunk, I took a step toward him, and then my knees bent and I