A Separate Peace Literary Analysis

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A Separate Peace is a powerful book written by John Knowles that brings up an obstacle must face, the transition from childhood to adulthood. Knowles uses a mixture of characters, symbols, and literary devices to show Gene’s change throughout the book. The book starts with a carefree summer session and ends with Gene heading to war. By using the symbolism of the marble stairs and other things he is able to show how sometimes in order to move on to adulthood, people have to let go of their childhood. Phineas in a way represents peace, childhood, and innocence. But Gene resembles adulthood, war, and conflict. In chapter 11, Finny falls down the marble stairs and breaks his leg. The injury eventually lead to the death of Finny and at the funeral
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