A Seperate Piece

The great tragedy of the novel finds its roots in Gene’s own insecurity. 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.

The forgiveness and agape love Finny bestowed on his best friend simply made Gene feel more guilt and more bitter towards himself. It shattered the basic ideals Finny’s world was built on, in turn shattering his world, shattering him, killing him. Phineas could not accept Gene being the cause of his now gimp leg. Mankind’s idea of perfection is interdependent with the feelings of envy for what is flawless. Gene loved Finny, but hated himself. To Gene, Phineas was perfection- all that Gene wanted to be but could not, which further fueled his jealousy. Phineas forgave Gene and loved him unconditionally, as a true friend.

Finally, the Pharisaical Student Government took hold of the situation in the name of Truth and Justice. 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.

Gene and Phineas, Phineas and Gene, they were two separate worlds thrust into a universe called Devon amongst a galaxy ripped by war. gs Gene experiences because of his friend are strangely familiar to every reader in some degree.