This novel generally takes place in 1958 in New Hampshire at an all-boys military school called Devon.  The author shifts the focus of the set time to World War II by creating a flashback of the main character, Gene.  Although the setting varies throughout New England, it is mainly centered around Devon and its surroundings.  This is a fictional novel that was based off the author’s experience at Exeter during the summer of 1943.  Only a few of the elements of this piece were part of Knowles experiences at Exeter, which were friendship, athleticism, and loyalty.  The events in this novel could not happen in today’s world, because it is nearly impossible to find a teenager who would intentionally want to harm, or even kill his best friend out of jealousy. Although it is written as a mishap of bone marrow trickling into Finny’s bloodstream, in reality it was Gene who caused Phineas to fall off the tree, and the rest of his(Finny) unwanted injuries and disturbances. This is what is known today as manslaughter. However, this book could plausibly occur today, even though we are currently without war.  If, by some terrible series of events, the world was to experience the onslaught of another war, it’s not totally irrational to think that there could be an all- boys’ private military academy in which there resides a group of insolent teenage boys that like to jump from trees and hold mock festivals.  And, of course, some loon could go AWOL and another could push his best friend from a tree overhanging a river.  Why not?

The title A Separate Peace holds a few similar, yet different meanings. The most obvious being that Devon is the initial accommodation of peace located in isolation from the remainder of the world. Gene and the other boys at Devon have achieved a peace outside of the war that is taking place around the globe.

Not only does the school represent a peace of its own, but the death of Phineas represents a peace for both Phineas and Gene. Because Finny passed on to the afterlife, he achieved a peace with his own self pride. He felt useless and powerless due to his rejection from every branch of the armed forces. He no longer is forced to feel abundantly small compared to the other boys at Devon, who can freely join the army without complications. Finny can finally accept the fact that there is no longer a personal war he is incapable of fighting in.

Along with Finny’s personal peace, Gene experiences his own peace as well. Since Gene’s true enemy, Finny, has passed away unexpectedly, Gene can finally come to the realization that he can forgive himself for being responsible for Finny’s leg injury. Phineas’s death allowed Gene to receive his personal peace against the world of Finny.

Leper Lepellier was once a boy who, through the perceptions of the other boys at Devon, was seen as subordinate and socially awkward.  He enjoyed skiing and he had a passion for nature.  Because of his tranquil and flimsy personality, Leper was the last person the boys at Devon thought would enlist in the army, but in fact, he was the very first.  His inspiration came from a skiing military combat shown by a reinforcement group.  Leper instantly decided to enlist, and without warning, he suddenly disappeared.  After a few months of participating in the war, Leper escaped due to his inability to fathom the bloodshed that accompanied the uniform.  He returned to Devon after he was dismissed, but he wasn’t quite the same as before he departed.  His fragile heart could not bear the aspects of the war, and he received the misfortunes of anxiety and inner turmoil.

The main characters in this novel, Finny and Gene, are two charismatic teenagers.  I personally have a better preference for Finny, because he acquires a greater sense of freedom.  With all the rules at Devon, Phineas feels somewhat obligated to stir up excitement and adrenaline in his life at the school.  Although there is a war taking place across the globe, and he is approaching the age of eligibility to be drafted, Finny chooses to direct his attention towards trouble.  Finny is worthy of both praise and criticism.  He is worthy of praise because he provides ideas that will add a spark to Gene’s social life, such as starting the Super Suicide Society of  the Summer Session.  He is worthy of criticism, however, because he acts as an instigator throughout all the sessions at Devon. His inadequate behavior sets a negative example to the remainder of the student body at Devon.

The project is a brief description of how the words “por” and “para” are used correctly. The project required a sense of creativity, and an organized train of thought as to how the rules of “por” and “para” were to be explained. I enjoyed using Glogster to create this project, because it allowed me to use a new device of technology, instead of the traditional scissors, paper, and glue. I think we should do more projects using Glogster, because along with getting to create a project, we get to have fun, and show off our creativity to others.

A Madi le gusta tocar los tambores en la banda.

A ella le gusta jugar videojuegos a su casa.

También a ella le gusta cocinar seimpre.

A Madi le gusta cuidar a los niños.

A ella le gusta cantar y tocar la guitarra.

A Madi le disgusta mucho niños pequeños.

A ella le disgusta mucho gente estúpida.

También a ella le disgusta correr y llegar tarde.

I don’t ever want to lose my sight. It is amazing being able to see everything around me. I  like watching all of the little kids playing around at the White Oak Community Church on Sunday nights. It is so much fun staring to look at my daddy snoring on the couch in his cranky moods in the mornings. I like getting to see where I am going when I go walking to the General Store in Jefferson with my mom on the weekends. Without my sight, I would be hopeless. I can not go around everyday not getting to see what is going around me. I like getting to see my mom’s smile when she looks at me.  I like looking at all of the fish that my brother catches in Arkansas, and Texas. I like looking at everything around me. I like glancing at the pretty Roses, Lilies, Daisies, and especially the Bluebonnets. I love looking at my mom and her beautiful face. I like looking at all of the different sports that are played, like volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, football, softball, cheerleading, and last but not least, twirling. I love my sight so  much, that I would die for it. I love my sight, and I don’t ever want to lose it. Being able to see is wonderful. I wouldn’t want to lose my hearing, taste, or scent of smell. Those are all okay, but I can not live without my sight. My sight is what keeps me going in life, and I would hate it if that is what was taken away from me. I would not be able to bear it in my soul. I love my sight, and it is not going to leave me. I am sure that I will lose it some time later, but  I am glad that I still have it now.