A Separate Peace Chapter 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who noticed Gene and Finny's absence from dinner?

Mr. Prud'homme

How many meals had they missed in the last 2 weeks?

What does Gene say is one of Finny's reasons for living?

The friendliness he could have with anyone

How old are they?

Almost 17 Signup and view all the answers

How did the masters' treatment of students differ during the summer?

A little more tolerable Signup and view all the answers

What did Gene think they represented to the faculty?

Peace Signup and view all the answers

What does Finny wear as an emblem?

Pink coat Signup and view all the answers

Who was the sternest of the summer session masters?

Mr. Patch-Withers Signup and view all the answers

Did Gene think his envy was normal?

True Signup and view all the answers

Describe Finny.

Sleek, small ears, bold nose/cheek bones Signup and view all the answers

What does Finny wear as a belt?

School tie Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Patch-Withers compare Finny's wearing this as a belt to?

A tribute Signup and view all the answers

What does Gene feel when he realized Finny will get away with this act of defiance?

Sort of upset Signup and view all the answers

How does Gene explain these feelings?

He was envious of Finny's talents Signup and view all the answers

How does Gene feel having Finny as a best friend?

Luck for such a person to choose him Signup and view all the answers

How does Gene later realize he thought of sarcasm?

'Protest of people who are weak' Signup and view all the answers

What doesn't Finny believe really happened?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gene feel the war seemed unreal?

They were hardly accepted Signup and view all the answers

What does Finny ask Gene?

Afraid to jump out the tree? Signup and view all the answers

What society do they form?

Super Suicide Society of the Summer Signup and view all the answers

What happened as they went out onto the limb?

Gene lost balance and Finny caught him Signup and view all the answers

What does Gene realize could have happened?

Fallen on the bank and broke his back or been killed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Relationships

Gene and Finny's absence from dinner is noted by Mr. Prud'homme, showcasing their carefree attitude.
They missed a total of 9 meals in the last two weeks, highlighting their rebellious nature during the summer session.
Finny embodies a spirit of friendliness, which he values greatly in life.

Age and Youth Experience

Both boys are almost 17, a critical age for self-discovery and friendship dynamics.
Masters show a slightly more tolerable attitude towards students during the summer, creating a relaxed learning environment.

Symbolism and Attire

Gene perceives himself and Finny as symbols of peace, reflecting their bond.
Finny's pink coat serves as an emblem of his individuality and defiance.
He uses a school tie as a belt, which Mr. Patch-Withers likens to a tribute, emphasizing Finny's charm.

Emotions and Envy

Gene acknowledges his envy of Finny’s talents as a normal feeling, indicating his inner conflict.
He feels lucky to have Finny as a best friend, yet he struggles with self-esteem in comparison.
Upon realizing Finny’s ability to defy rules, Gene experiences a sense of unease, illustrating his internal rivalry.

Perspective on War

Finny dismisses the reality of the war, particularly the bombing of Central Europe, reinforcing his carefree nature.
Gene views the war as somewhat unreal, feeling detached from its impact, which contrasts with the horrors faced by soldiers.

Adventure and Risk

Finny challenges Gene with the question of fear, proposing they jump from a tree, marking their adventurous spirit.
They establish the "Super Suicide Society of the Summer," symbolizing their camaraderie and thrill-seeking behavior.
A moment of danger occurs when Gene loses his balance on the limb but is caught by Finny, raising questions about fate and friendship.
Gene realizes the potential seriousness of falling, contemplating life-altering consequences, which foreshadows later events in their relationship.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from 'A Separate Peace' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key details and important themes presented in the chapter. Perfect for reviewing character insights and major events.