Questions and Answers
Who is the author?
John Knowles
What is the setting of the story?
Devon School, New England, begins in 1958 but flashes back to 1942-1943
What kind of men does the school intend to make its students?
Military men
What major event is happening during the years of the setting?
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What is the point of view of this novel?
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What is the narrator doing at the beginning of the story?
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How does the narrator find the school?
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Did the narrator like the change in the school?
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What places did he want to see?
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What time of the year is it during the narrator's visit?
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What were the streets like?
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What building did he go into?
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What attracts his attention as he enters the building?
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How has the narrator changed since his time at the school?
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What is referred to as the far common?
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What does the narrator hope to achieve?
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When would he know more about whether he had already achieved this?
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Are sports important at the school?
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What is the tree he is going to look at?
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Describe the river.
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How did he identify the tree he was looking for?
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When he finds the tree, what does he compare it to?
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Was he thankful that he had seen the tree?
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What is the saying he uses?
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What does he say endures?
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Did this experience of seeing the tree again change the narrator?
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What device does the author use next to continue telling his story?
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How does this flashback device begin?
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How did the narrator describe the tree?
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Who was the only one who could think up a crazy idea like climbing the tree?
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Would Phineas have admitted it if the tree intimidated him?
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What did Phineas like best about the tree?
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Who else was with them?
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Whose regimen included jumping from the tree?
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Who was the best athlete in school?
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Describe Finny.
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What did he propose they do?
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Who else does it?
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What are complaints or reasons not to jump?
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Why did Finny say Gene jumped?
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What happened as they crossed the field hurriedly?
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What rule did they break?
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What did they do before they went to sleep?
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Study Notes
Author and Setting
- Written by John Knowles.
- Begins in 1958 but primarily takes place in 1942-1943 at Devon School in New England.
Historical Context
- The story occurs during World War II.
- The school's intention is to prepare students to become military men.
Narrative Perspective
- The novel is narrated in the first person.
- The narrator revisits Devon School as an adult, reflecting on his past.
School's Environment
- The narrator perceives the school as having changed significantly, comparing it to a museum.
- The setting is characterized by handsome, unusual, charming, and old streets.
Key Locations and Events
- Important places include the tree, field, and First Academy Building.
- The visit occurs in winter (November).
Personal Reflections
- The narrator's growing up is evident as he recognizes changes in both himself and the school.
- He seeks to confront his past fears associated with the school environment.
Physical Elements
- The tree he is searching for has scars on its trunk and symbolizes childhood memories.
- The nearby river is described as small, rocky, isolated, and foggy.
Character Insights
- Phineas, referred to as Finny, is depicted as athletic, outgoing, and a rule-breaker.
- Finny loves challenges, particularly embodied by the tree from which he proposes they jump into the river.
Peer Relationships
- Gene accompanies Finny and is influenced into participating in risky behavior based on Finny’s encouragement.
- Finny's ability to manipulate and challenge others is shown when he compels Gene to jump off the tree despite his reservations.
Actions and Consequences
- They break rules such as being late for dinner and possessing forbidden items in their room.
- The boys pray before sleeping, indicating a sense of camaraderie and innocence.
Themes and Devices
- The phrase "the more things remain the same, the more things change" encapsulates the narrative's exploration of change and permanence.
- Flashbacks serve as a key narrative device to delve into memories, beginning with the description of the tree and highlighting past events.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with flashcards from Chapter 1 of 'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles. This quiz covers key elements including the setting, characters, and themes that emerge at the start of the book. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic novel.
