His theory is that
the war is fake
, a conspiracy concocted by “fat old men” who don’t want the younger generation “crowding them out their jobs.” These fat old men are enjoying themselves while the young men are fighting this pretend war. Later he confesses to Gene that he never believed this theory.
Why did Finny give up his theory about there being no war?
Deep down, he knows that
there is a war
, but he doesn’t what to admit it to himself as he also knows it would be difficult for him to deal with it on an emotional level. So long as the war remains a far-off event which doesn’t touch Finny directly, then he’s able to stay in denial.
Why does Finny accept the war?
Though Finny doesn’t believe in Caesar, he does finally admit the existence of World War II. He says that he
had to accept the reality of the war when Gene told him that it had caused Leper to go crazy
.
What is Finny’s attitude towards the war?
Finny’s theory is
palpably absurd
. It’s a form of “sour grapes,” which is pretending something you really want is no good anyway. Finny had yearned to be part of it all, the fighting and the heroism, but now with his leg injured, he can’t get into any branch of the armed services anywhere.
Does Finny forgive Gene?
The theme of forgiveness in A Separate Peace is a main part in the story because of three key turning points in the story: Gene forgiving Finny, Finny forgiving Gene, and Gene forgiving himself. … He rids himself of the guilt of Finny’s accident, and
he can finally forgive himself
.
What chapter does Finny say the war isn’t real?
In
Chapter 8
, Finny tells Gene that the “war stuff” is a myth. He states that American is not truly “in a state of war with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.” He claims, “there isn’t any war.” So, he convinces Gene that he needs to start training for the Olympics.
Who does Finny say is responsible for the war?
Finny declares that there is no war, that it is all a
conspiracy orchestrated by the adult establishment
—by fat, rich, old men—to keep young people in their place. When Gene asks why the conspiracy has not been detected by anyone else, Finny replies that he alone can see it because of the extent of his suffering.
Why does Gene finally speak to Finny?
How is Gene feeling on his way to the infirmary? Answer:
Gene goes to see Finny to take him some clothes, the doctor requested them
. Gene does not know how to feel or act, it’s like it’s happening all over again.
How did Finny fall down the stairs?
Finny admits that Leper’s mental breakdown has convinced him of the reality of the war, and he tells Gene that he has even seen Leper at Devon. … The boys
hear Finny’s cane tapping and then the sound of
him falling down the marble stairs.
Why is Gene jealous of Finny?
Finny makes a joking observation to subtly convey his lack of interest in competition. Gene misses his intention and takes Finny at his word. Gene’s jealousy of Finny’s
status as best athlete of their class has led him, half-consciously, to try to make them “even” by being the best scholar
.
Does Finny hate Gene?
Although we see all of the characters through Gene’s eyes,
his perception of others is most significant in the case of Finny
. Even as Gene resents his best friend and harbors dark, unspoken feelings of hatred toward him, he regards Finny at times with something akin to worship.
Why does Finny create Blitzball?
Blitzball is a teamless game created by
Finny as a tribute to the war
. It is named after blitzkrieg a German name for surprise bombardment.
Why does Gene not cry when Finny dies?
Although he is overwhelmed by the news of Finny’s death, Gene does not cry, not even at the funeral,
because he feels as if it is actually his own funeral
. The events following the second fall emphasize the separation between the roommates now that Finny knows Gene’s responsibility in the original accident.
Who killed Finny?
Stanpole
acted just as Leper when he exposed the marrow while carefully “moving the bone” (193). The poison that killed Finny, whether it was Gene’s savageness or his own marrow, had a simple yet deadly effect: stopping his heart.
How does Finny lose his innocence?
Even though there is competition between even the closest of friends, none are this deeply rooted in evil. Finny loses innocence
when he comes to face the reality of the war
, but the ultimate loss of innocence in both boys occurs when they realize the other’s role in each of their downfalls.
What does Finny want to do instead of going to class?
The first place Finny wants to visit, rather than going to class on the first day back after his convalescence, is
the gym
.
