. . for a second.

Throughout this book, I kept on asking myself, Why is this book a classic? What does A Separate Peace have that others don't? Upon finishing, I think I rendered a conclusion. Character. Human Character. And I feel John Knowles does a fantastic job of isolating one aspect of human character- the strive for competition, or at least the strive to be first.

"He had never been jealous of me for a second. Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us. I was not of the same quality as he."

Gene is always questioning Finny's motives for doing things. Like if he did something to be boastful, or to make Gene feel/appear lesser. Gene is insecure with himself, and I attribute this to his envy for Finny. He focuses more on Finny than he does himself. The actions and thoughts of these 2 boys truly reminded me of the relationship I have with my friends. We are all bonded with friendship, but at the same time we are competing with each other. Like in the classroom and on the court- it's natural to want to be the best. However I know my friends are aware of this silent competing, and that's why we remain great friends. And, my friends are secure with themselves, unlike Gene, and we don't accuse the other of trying to hinder our excellence as Gene does with Finny.

However, I do think the love/hate feelings Gene have for Finny are somewhat natural. If you're in a competition with a friend and they win, you don't necessarily hate them, and you can be happy for their success. But would you not be happier had you won? Finny's athletic superiority sizzles envy in Gene, and because of Gene's other insecurities he doesn't really have a way to release the jealousy.

In the first chapter, the scarred tree and marble staircase seem to be the most of Gene's interest. The tree plays an important role not only in his previous life, but in his current life as well I feel. It is also the location where Finny expired his athletic career due to Gene. The staircase is where Finny took the final fall that eventually resulted in his death. Initially Gene had to deal with the loss of the person who called him his "best pal", because of these 2 locations. But upon visiting, 15 years later, I think it rekindles the impression Finny made on him.