"A little world; an individual man or a community that is a miniature universe or a world in itself"; a microcosm...
             Phineas and Gene, along with the other boys of Devon School formed a universe of their own during World War II. In A Separate Peace, John Knowles examines the social problems of "All-American" kids. He questions ideas of jealousy, perfection, forgiveness, love, justice and injustice, all of which show insight into society at large.
             Gene's unknown, not admitted jealousy of Phineas drives the pot of the novel. The dark thoughts and confused feelings Gene experiences because of his friend are strangely familiar to every reader in some degree. Mankind's idea of perfection is interdependent with the feelings of envy for what is flawless. To Gene, Phineas was perfection- all that Gene wanted to be but could not, which further fueled his jealousy.
             The great tragedy of the novel finds its roots in Gene's own insecurity. His fear of admitting his envy of Finny cause his feelings to fester until his involuntary reaction on the fatal tree branch adds guilt to jealousy, creating bitterness.
             The forgiveness and agape love Finny bestowed on his best friend simply made Gene feel more guilt and more bitter towards himself. He says many times, if only Finny got mad at him, if only he confronted him about it, everything would be all right. However, Phineas could not confront Gene about the accident, he could not even admit it to himself and refused to believe that someone who loved him could do something so monstrous to him. Phineas forgave Gene and loved him unconditionally, as a true friend. Gene loved Finny, but hated himself. Gene could forgive Finny, but he could not forgive himself.
             Finally, the Pharisaical Student Government took hold of the situation in the name of Truth and Justice. What they could not understand however, was the truth was a
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