The foundation of a strong friendship is typically built upon compatibility and acceptance, and to feel secure with a friend is to feel recognized and welcomed by them. For example, Gene Forrester and Phineas are two teenage boys who attempt to build a friendship upon acceptance and congruity in John Knowles’ novel, A Separate Peace. Gene proves to be loyal to Phineas throughout the novel, but he soon grows jealous of Phineas’ way with words and his ability to get out of a problematic situation. Acceptance and jealousy are two concepts that do not naturally coincide, and this causes conflict in their relationship. In John Knowles’ novel, A Separate Peace, Knowles demonstrates through a youthful relationship, that in order to have a dependable and healthy friendship, they must accept each other wholly, proving that jealousy can ruin a friendship despite their loyalties. …show more content…
According to Gene, Finny “had gotten away with everything” (Knowles, 28). Phineas can talk his way out of any situation he is presented with, which makes Gene envy Phineas. Unfortunately, while at a tea, Phineas finds himself caught in a situation not even he can persuade his way out of. Although Gene admires Phineas for his suave usage of words, he hopes that Phineas cannot get out of this difficult position, but when he does, Gene feels disappointed. Gene is jealous that he himself cannot have the same characteristics Phineas has. The threatening green-eyed monster in Gene is in no way beneficial for their friendship, or helpful for Gene’s well-being. Because of this jealousy, Gene is unable to entirely accept Finny and his rascally ways, which puts a strain on their