A Separate Peace

What are some similes and metaphors in A Separate Peace?

The dominant symbol in A Separate Peace is the tree limb from which Phineas fell. At the "trial" it is compared to a piston, with the first part triggering the movement of the second. Of course this was Gene, who in "the blind impulse" of a split second shook the limb and made Finny fall. This represents the delicate balance of their friendship upset by Gene's sense of rivalry; it also shows in a very vivid way Gene's betrayal of Finny's trust when he makes him fall.

Other symbols are subtle but important to the themes of the story: the swimming race which Finny "won" without needing any recognition demonstrates his absence of need to perform; the day the two boys spend at the beach reveals their true complicity - it is a sanctuary of sorts from the need for "rules" or competition; Finny's getting away with using the school tie for a belt demonstrates his disarming nature even before authority; the games he invents show his comradeship and need of escape from the reality of war; Leper's mental fragility and eventual breakdown reveal the vulnerability of all the boys.

Another vital symbol as important as the tree itself is the long flight of marble steps leading to the building where the boys hold trial for Finny. This represents justice, which in its aim to make things "fair" often destroys the victim instead of the culprit. This happens when Finny falls for the second time and later dies from his injury.