The novel A Separate Peace is set against the background of World War II. The book depicts a peaceful New England's boy's school by the name of Devon. It is confining place, surrounded by enormous playing fields. However, it brings a peaceful atmosphere as it is filled with sunshine, and has a peaceful river flowing through campus. The school is based upon the author's own experience at boarding school, therefore is accepted as an accurate representation of school life at the time.
             Gene is the protagonist and narrator of the novel who tells of his experiences at Devon when he was sixteen and seventeen years old. He is depicted as a person who normally followed the rules and regulations of school and society in general; however, when he is with his roommate, Finny, he behaves very differently. In Finny's presence, Gene always wants to act like him and be a free man, not affected by the judgments of others; but he never really succeeds at doing this. As a result, he becomes insanely jealous of Finny, and his jealousy turns into brutality. All Gene can think about is wanting to humiliate Finny and bring him down to his level. Hence, he bounces his friend out of the tree, causing his leg to break. Because of the accident Finny becomes a cripple, which causes Gene much guilt and shame.
             Finny is Gene's roommate and close friend. Both his teachers and his classmates admire him. He is considered the best athlete in school, moving with perfect physical grace, harmony, and coordination. He is also known as the boy who never makes a mistake, even though he is always spontaneously saying and doing the unexpected. Finny enjoys things that are new and different. He thrives on challenges, and when none presents itself, he invents one: the tree-jumping game is the first- and ultimately the most costly. Gene idolizes him.
             ...