by Elizabeth Wordsmith

Created on: July 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2010

Adolescent Identity Struggles as portrayed in A Separate Peace

Adolescent identity vs. society's expectations is a major theme of John Knowles' post war novel A Separate Peace. The story begins with the main character, Gene Forrester, revisiting his prep school campus fifteen years after graduation. As he reexamines the former haunts of his youthful exploits, he tries to come to terms with the sometimes joyful and sometimes traumatic events experienced during the summer term of 1942. His memories give us a window into the attempts of he and his friends to grapple with impending war service and adult responsibilities during a fragile time of adolescent personality development.

Gene Forrester had grown up in the South, but attended the Devon School for boys in New Hampshire. Gene portrays himself as a plodding and serious student who fears criticism and failure. He is an average athlete, but excels in scholastics because of his work ethic.

He both fears and respects authority and seldom does anything to rock the boat. He also has a great need to please and be respected by his peers. It is the last characteristic which becomes his greatest flaw. He lacks the self-confidence to say no to the will of the masses and do what is in his best interest. While he has a great need for friendship and approval, he also has an insidious distrust of others when their wills conflict with his. So, he is not able to be sincere and genuine in his relationships.

Gene endures and survives challenges to his self concept and identity during this summer and the following year, but not without discovering some disturbing things about himself. His growth only comes through painful experiences.

Juxtaposed against Gene's personality is his roommate Phineas, a character whose personality and other attributes and flaws contrast and bring into relief adolescent struggles for identity establishment. Phineas is a leader and a person so confident in his beliefs that he challenges authority without fear. His enthusiasm and love of life enthrall everyone around him, his peers and his instructors. He comes to represent peace, freedom, and purity of intention. In contrast to Gene, Phineas, aka "Finny", is an average student who would rather plan a lark and break the rules than study for a test. He is a stellar athlete, but modest about his talents. He gives himself over to friendships completely and is transparent emotionally. He makes no excuses and does not try to exalt himself by bragging or exaggerating.

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