Knowles, J. (1959). A Separate Peace. New York: Secker and Warbug.
This year, I decided that I wanted to teach something new to my advanced sophomore class. I still taught Lord of the Flies, but I wanted something different. As I was looking at the book list, I realized that A Separate Peace is also on the AP list. So I thought, "Why not? If I don't like it, I won't teach it again." I am so glad that I decided to give Knowles's novel a chance.
I showed Dead Poets Society first, since my students have no concept of boarding schools. I'm glad I showed the film first. When I told my students there were similiar plot points, they bought into A Separate Peace without hesitation. Many colleagues warned me that the novel moved slowly and was a little boring. I have to disagree. It's a bildungsroman, so it is not action packed by any means, but it is very psychological.
The narrator, Gene, becomes jealous of his friend, Phineas's athletic ability and popularity. Phineas is liked by everyone, but admires Gene for his intelligence. The boys jump from a tree, and Phineas's breaks his leg. At that point, Gene changes his opinion of Phineas and himself.
A Separate Peace is set during World War II. Gene and the rest of the boys at Devon must face the eniviblity of war and, worst of all, growing up. Phineas begins to represent childhood, often denying that the war even exist. Bringer, a foil to Phineas and antagonist to Gene, represents adulthood. Ultimately, Gene must choose his path: childhood or adulthood. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that the war eventually enters the boys' lives.
Students greatly identified with the relationship between the boys. Everyone has experienced envy at one point or another. Everyone has felt like a side kick sometime. They are also able to relate to the change in friendships as we grow. The characters are so realistic, probably due to the fact that Knowles based the plot and characters on his own time at boarding school, making the novel semi-autobiographical.
With examples of symbolism, character, epiphany and conflict rampant throughout, I will definitely continue to teach A Separate Peace.
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