In his fictional novel A Separate Peace, John Knowles provides many different literary events, conversations, and situations to cause the reader to question the characters and their lives. Gene Forrester is the leading figure within the novel, with the writing focused on his thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Second in command is Phineas (Finny), the best friend and polar opposite of Gene. Finny strived to succeed with sports, while Gene with academics. They both attended the boys-only school of Devon during the time span of World War II, with the story focused on events that occurred from 1942-1943. When the story begins, both boys are the age of 16, with 17 soon approaching. At 17 they would be of age to be drafted into the war, forcing