A Separate Peace Chapter 5 Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happened to Phineas' leg from the fall?

It was shattered.

Why did everyone talk to Gene about Phineas' leg? (2 reasons)

He was right beside him when it happened and he was his roommate.

How did the injury seem to affect the masters?

Deeper than other disasters because it was unfair that it would strike one of the 16-year-olds.

Who suspected Gene of causing the injury to Phineas?

No one Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gene think Phineas hasn't told on him? (2 reasons)

He's too sick or too noble. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gene decide to put on when he was dressing for dinner one evening?

Phineas' clothing (cordovan shoes, pants, and his pink shirt) Signup and view all the answers

When Gene looked in the mirror, who had he become?

Phineas to life. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gene sleep after putting on Phineas' clothing?

Easily Signup and view all the answers

What was Gene struggling with in Chapter 5?

What he had done to Phineas by shaking the branch and making him fall. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Dr. Stanpole let visit Phineas?

Gene, his roommate or pals but Not teachers. Signup and view all the answers

What did the doctor tell Gene about Phineas' condition?

He will walk again but sports are finished for him. Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctor say Gene has to help Phineas face?

The fact that he can't do sports any more. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gene react to learning there was no hope of Phinny playing sports again?

He burst out crying into his hands. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Phineas want to see?

Gene, his roommate. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gene think Phinny wants to see him?

To accuse him, face to face. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gene react to seeing Phineas' left leg in bindings and suspended a little above the bed?

He was about to black out. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Gene black out?

Phineas told him 'come on in' and said 'you look worse than I do'. Signup and view all the answers

How did Phineas look to Gene in the bed?

He seemed to have diminished physically in a few days and had lost his tan. Signup and view all the answers

What did Finny ask Gene?

What are you looking so sick about? Signup and view all the answers

How did Gene respond as to why he was looking so sick?

He asked Finny how he fell. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Finny fall according to him?

He said something jiggled and he just fell over. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gene think Finny wanted to get hold of him?

To drag him down too. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Finny want to grab hold of Gene?

To get hold of him so he wouldn't fall off. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gene say he tried to do?

Reach out for Finny but he was already gone. Signup and view all the answers

What expression did Finny see on Gene's face when he fell?

An awfully funny expression, very shocked. Signup and view all the answers

What did Finny say made him fall?

He had a feeling but wouldn't say anything based on a feeling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the new personal decalogue Finny must have?

Never accuse a friend of a crime if you only have a feeling he did it. Signup and view all the answers

Gene didn't tell Finny what he wanted to tell him in the hospital. Why?

The doctor and nurse entered and then they sent Finny home. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gene spend summer break?

He went south to his home and was in a state of reverie and unreality. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Gene decide to go when he reached Boston by train?

He took a taxi to Finny's house. Signup and view all the answers

How was Finny's house?

It was high, white, and oddly proper with a big plain barn. Signup and view all the answers

How did Finny react to Gene's visit?

Pleased and not at all surprised. Signup and view all the answers

What did Finny think Gene brought?

Something to eat from down South, like honeysuckle, molasses, or cornbread. Signup and view all the answers

How did Finny look now that he was home?

Like an invalid, house-bound. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gene say happened in the south?

A grass fire that grew because the brooms caught on fire. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Gene wish he could tell Finny the truth?

A railroad station or highway intersection. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gene tell Finny he was thinking about Finny and the accident all summer?

Because he had caused it. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gene confess?

He had jounced the limb on purpose and caused Finny to fall off. Signup and view all the answers

What did Finny say to the confession?

Of course you didn't. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gene want Finny to do?

Hit him, kill him. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gene leave?

Finny told him to go away. Signup and view all the answers

How was Gene hurting Finny again?

Saying he purposely hurt him. Signup and view all the answers

When did Finny say he'd be back at Devon?

By Thanksgiving. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse did Gene use to leave Finny's house?

He had made a long trip. Signup and view all the answers

When Finny said 'You aren't going to start living by the rules, are you?' what did Gene say and think?

He said 'Oh no, I wouldn't do that,' but knew that was the biggest lie. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phineas' Injury

Phineas' leg was shattered due to a fall from a tree branch.
Gene was questioned about the incident as he was with Phineas during the fall and they were roommates.

Emotional Impact

The injury affected the masters deeply, seen as unfair since Phineas was a bright, free-spirited 16-year-old in the summer of 1942.
Gene struggled with guilt over his role in Phineas' injury by shaking the branch, reflecting on his actions throughout Chapter 5.

Gene's Transformation

In a moment of confusion, Gene dons Phineas' clothing, including cordovan shoes and a pink shirt, and feels like he becomes Phineas looking back in the mirror.
After wearing the clothes, Gene slept easily, contrasted by his inner turmoil regarding the injury.

Hospital Visit

Dr. Stanpole permits Gene to visit Phineas, but only peers, not teachers, can see him.
The doctor reassures Gene that Phineas will walk again but can no longer participate in sports, which devastates Gene.

Phineas' Reaction

Upon seeing Phineas' injured state, Gene nearly faints but regains composure when Phineas greets him lightheartedly.
Phineas appears diminished and tan-less compared to his usual self, prompting an unexpected apology regarding his feelings before the fall.

Relationship Dynamics

Gene believes Phineas wanted to see him to confront and accuse him of causing the accident.
Finny expresses regret about falling, attributing it to something vague that jiggled leading him to believe he could reach Gene for support.

Confession and Consequences

Gene admits to having intentionally jounced the limb, leading to Finny's fall; Phineas initially brushes off the confession, responding with disbelief.
Gene’s desire for Finny to retaliate signifies his guilt and need for absolution, but Finny dismisses him and expresses frustration at Gene's accusations.

Summer Break and Return

Gene spends summer break in a state of reverie, reflecting on the incident and its ramifications while visiting Finny at home after returning from a trip.
Finny's home is characteristically proper and he is seen as an invalid, indicating the severity of his condition.

Emotional Conflicts

Gene struggles with wanting to share the truth about the accident in a less intimate setting than Finny's home but ultimately confesses his guilt.
Finny’s disbelief and Gene’s internal conflict highlight the complexities of their friendship, leading to Gene leaving after a confrontation filled with hurt.

Closing Thoughts

Finny expresses hope to return to Devon by Thanksgiving, while Gene contemplates his actions and the weight of his guilt.
Finny's questioning of Gene's commitment to rules implies underlying tensions about conformity and authenticity in their friendship.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 5 in 'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles. This chapter explores the implications of Phineas' injury and Gene's emotional turmoil associated with it. Delve into the characters' transformations and the impact of guilt on their friendship.

A Separate Peace Chapter 5 Quiz