Post by dacre raphael lethe on Mar 3, 2011 10:17:17 GMT -5
Throughout this novel, the author showed us many sides of both Gene and Phineas, the main characters. The pair are best friends who attend Devon School in New Hampshire in 1942. To succeed in a time like this, it took strength, intelligence and conformity. Gene possessed these traits. He easily adapted to situations that occurred at Devon. Meanwhile Phineas was able to hold sway over the people around him and distract them from the ongoings of the rest of the worlds. Gene clearly held superior qualities; ones that would allow him to go far in this time period.
As a student, Gene Forrester was extremely intelligent, reaching for the desired position of valedictorian. When Phineas came to their dorm room appealing an idea of wondrous ventures, he refuses and refused the offer until Phineas’ reverse reasoning took hold of Gene’s nature. Had Finny not interfered, Gene would have stayed in that night. Gene was also a sensitive boy. He would listen to his schoolmates’ rambles, offering polite commentary.
The relationship between both boys was very love-hate. Phineas was jealous of Gene’s academic progression and achievements. Inversely, Gene was jealous of Finny’s athletic abilities and goals. Despites all of the envy, the boys were always close. They got along perfectly, making jokes and even horse playing around in the football fields. Gene was ever the diligent worker and through all of Phineas’ schemes, he managed to keep his course work grades up. Gene sacrificed sleep and free time to do his work in addition to participating in the Super Suicide Society’s shenanigans. During all of this, the jealousy began to grow; and the resentment towards Phineas, also grew. Gene admired and adored Phineas, almost losing himself in trying to keep up with what Phineas had going on.
“You and Phineas are even already. You are even in enmity. You are both coldly driving ahead for yourselves alone.” This illustrates how the two boys were striving for greatness and just how willing they were to achieve it. It shows that they truly hated not what each other was, but what they themselves could not achieve. They grew to be selfish towards the end and it prevented the possibility of learning how to change this.
As a student, Gene Forrester was extremely intelligent, reaching for the desired position of valedictorian. When Phineas came to their dorm room appealing an idea of wondrous ventures, he refuses and refused the offer until Phineas’ reverse reasoning took hold of Gene’s nature. Had Finny not interfered, Gene would have stayed in that night. Gene was also a sensitive boy. He would listen to his schoolmates’ rambles, offering polite commentary.
The relationship between both boys was very love-hate. Phineas was jealous of Gene’s academic progression and achievements. Inversely, Gene was jealous of Finny’s athletic abilities and goals. Despites all of the envy, the boys were always close. They got along perfectly, making jokes and even horse playing around in the football fields. Gene was ever the diligent worker and through all of Phineas’ schemes, he managed to keep his course work grades up. Gene sacrificed sleep and free time to do his work in addition to participating in the Super Suicide Society’s shenanigans. During all of this, the jealousy began to grow; and the resentment towards Phineas, also grew. Gene admired and adored Phineas, almost losing himself in trying to keep up with what Phineas had going on.
“You and Phineas are even already. You are even in enmity. You are both coldly driving ahead for yourselves alone.” This illustrates how the two boys were striving for greatness and just how willing they were to achieve it. It shows that they truly hated not what each other was, but what they themselves could not achieve. They grew to be selfish towards the end and it prevented the possibility of learning how to change this.
