Competition in Schools In A Separate Peace, the author says that not many relationships are not based on competition. Competition makes up many relationships in workplaces, schools, and even in homes. These competitions control the people involved, teaching them to always win. In places like a school, competition can either really help somebody or it can damage someone. It is good for some people because it will give them something to do and will give them a reason to push themselves. On the other side of the argument, the one struggling for approval is going through embarrassment after embarrassment trying to win, this leading to bad effects to them. The first good thing, is that the kids involved will have a reason to push harder and to win.