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A Separate Peace - A Journey To Maturity - Term Papers

A Separate Peace - A Journey To Maturity

The novel A Separate Peace includes many important themes. The author, John Knowles, was able to make the book more realistic because of his personal experiences. Knowles, like the characters in the book attended a boarding school. Many of his dilemmas were similar to those of Gene and Finny. The boys were able to surmount the ins and outs of friendship, conformity, and growing up.
Friendship is certainly a major theme throughout the novel. It is often based on a mutual need, and many people seek friends to fill breaches in there own lives. A perfect example is when Gene, who seems to be insecure about himself, is drawn to Finny's confidence and love for life. Their friendship was ...

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could not withstand Gene's insecurities, as he faltered in Finny's unknown pressures of conforming.

Another important theme is conformity. Conformity refers to the choices young people make regarding going along with the crowd and pursuing their own paths. They can either give in to peer pressure or be secure with their own individuality. Gene succumbs to peer pressure the first time he jumps off the limb into the Devon River. Even though he would have rather not done it, he went along with the crowd to fit in. Another example of Gene trying to fit in and be liked is when he ditches school with Finny. Gene never would have considered breaking the rules, but he feared that he would not be accepted by Finny if he didn't go along. Most teenagers are confronted with peer pressure, and like Gene will at one time or another go against their true feelings. Normally these mistakes turn into life long lessons in which a person realizes that it is better to be true to yourself. ...

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A Separate Peace - A Journey To Maturity. (2008, September 24). Retrieved January 12, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Separate-Peace-A-Journey-Maturity/90375

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"A Separate Peace - A Journey To Maturity." Essayworld.com. September 24, 2008. Accessed January 12, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Separate-Peace-A-Journey-Maturity/90375.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/24/2008 12:46:19 AM
Category: English
Type: Free Paper
Words: 561
Pages: 3

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