Illustration of two pairs of legs standing on the branch of a large tree

A Separate Peace

by John Knowles

Start Free Trial

Chapter 6 Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

With the beginning of the Winter Session, peace officially deserts Devon. Formality and order replace the easygoing aura of summer, and at the first chapel service, the masters sit in their stalls in front of and at right angles to the student body, as if "they (have) never been away." Continuity is the keynote of the ceremony, although five of the regular teachers are missing because they have gone to war, and it is announced that maids will be unavailable "for the Duration." Gene reflects that the assertion that the traditions of Devon have never been broken is a fallacy; during the summer, "all rules (had been) forgotten." Still, that halcyon time had ended with Phineas's accident, and Gene recognizes that perhaps that tragedy proved the necessity of rules after all. The summer has changed Gene irrevocably, and he is loathe to give up the innocence and freedom of the time, as symbolized by Leper Lepellier's "creeping ivy and snails," to reenter the world of power and intrigue, as represented by the neat and orderly files of the year's "dominant student," Brinker Hadley.

All students are required to participate in a sport during the term, and Gene signs up to be the assistant manager of the crew team. The job is a "nonentity," usually filled by boys with some kind of physical disability. Gene, wounded in spirit by the knowledge of his culpability in Finny's accident, reflects that his trouble cannot be detected by the naked eye. Gene finds that his hopes of simply performing his duties "like the automaton (he) wishe(s) to be" are not to be fulfilled, when he is challenged by the crew manager, Cliff Quackenbush. The two boys fight, falling into the brackish Naguamsett River, and Gene is dismissed from his position as assistant manager before he even begins. As he trudges away from the Crew House, wet and miserable, Gene is approached by Mr. Ludsbury, the master in charge of the dormitories. Mr. Ludsbury has heard that illicit "gaming" had gone on in the dorms during the Summer Session, and he reprimands Gene for not having helped the substitute, Mr. Prud'homme, maintain the high standards of Devon in his absence. Gene, even as he recollects the "nights of black-jack and poker and unpredictable games invented by Phineas," feigns innocence, and when Mr. Ludsbury is done with his obligatory lecture, he grudgingly informs Gene that he has received a long-distance call. Mr. Ludsbury gives him permission to go into his office to dial up the operator.

Thinking that the call must be from someone at home, Gene is stunned when he realizes that the call is from Finny. On the phone, Finny, in high spirits, asks Gene if anyone has taken his place as his roommate, and is elated to discover that Gene is rooming alone. Finny has been worried because of the way Gene had acted when he had come to visit Finny at his house, and he confesses that, for a little while, he had entertained the possibility that what Gene had claimed then was true: Gene really might have caused Finny's accident on purpose. Now that he has discovered that Gene has been saving his place in the dorm, Finny is relieved, sure that Gene had not meant what he had said. Finny, loyal friend that he is, even apologizes for doubting him. Gene does not contradict Finny's assumptions, and the conversation turns to Finny's favorite subject, sports. Finny is aghast that Gene would even think of taking on the job of assistant crew manager and insists that if he, Phineas, can no longer play sports, Gene will have to play for him. Gene feels a sense of liberation then, understanding that in performing in his stead, he will become, in essence, a part of Phineas.

Expert Q&A

Why did Gene apply to be crew chief in A Separate Peace?

Gene applies to be the crew chief in "A Separate Peace" because he is grappling with guilt over his actions toward Finny and wants a role that reflects his self-pity. This position, typically for underclassmen, allows him to participate in sports without outshining Finny, as Finny had encouraged him to stay involved. Additionally, participating in a sport is a school requirement, which Gene fulfills by choosing this less competitive role.

What is an example of imagery in chapters 5 and 6 of A Separate Peace?

In chapters 5 and 6, an example of imagery is the description of the pink shirt. The imagery includes the stiff collar, wide cuffs, and rich material, evoking a sense of luxury and distinction. This sensory detail highlights Gene's feelings of strangeness and his desire to emulate Phineas's carefree and superior attitude. The pink shirt symbolizes Gene's jealousy and aspiration for Phineas's life, illustrating his complex emotions and motivations.

What causes the disagreement between Gene and Quackenbush, and why is Quackenbush's choice of words unfortunate?

The disagreement between Gene and Quackenbush arises from Quackenbush's antagonistic nature, as he often provokes others. Gene describes Quackenbush as generally disliked and antagonistic. The conflict escalates when Quackenbush insults Gene by calling him "maimed," a poor choice of words given Gene's guilt over Finny's injury. This insult triggers Gene to punch Quackenbush, seeing it as a defense of Finny's honor.

In "A Separate Peace," what does Gene have taped above his bed?

Gene has taped above his bed pictures depicting the genteel South, including plantation mansions, Spanish moss, and winding roads. These images create an illusion of Southern aristocracy, reflecting Gene's attempt to construct a false identity and fit in with New England culture. This symbolic gesture underscores Gene's struggle with identity and his competitive nature, especially in relation to Phineas, as he seeks superiority based on an insubstantial foundation.

In A Separate Peace, why does Mr. Ludsbury stop Gene and who called him?

Mr. Ludsbury stops Gene after he gets wet from a fight with Quackenbush and questions him about his behavior, including rumors of gambling and neglecting his studies. The real reason Ludsbury intercepted Gene was to inform him of a phone call from Finny. Finny called to confirm he would return as Gene's roommate and requested Gene to play sports in his place. The lecture was incidental, triggered by Gene's wet appearance.

When is the narrator's name revealed in A Separate Peace and why?

The narrator's name, Gene, is first mentioned during a blitzball game in Chapter 3, but it becomes more prominent in Chapter 6 when he takes on the role of crew team manager. The initial scarcity of his name during the peaceful summer session highlights Finny's dominance and Gene's overshadowed identity. As the story shifts to the fall, Gene's name is used more frequently, symbolizing his emerging individuality and the end of the idyllic summer.

Why isn't Gene interested in Brinker in A Separate Peace?

Gene isn't interested in Brinker because he values the innocence and sincerity he experienced over the summer, which contrasts with Brinker's representation of the calculating, manipulative real world. During the summer, Gene enjoyed a leaderless, carefree existence influenced by Phineas, whereas Brinker embodies the return of structured leadership and societal pressures. Gene is reluctant to abandon the simplicity and innocence of summer for Brinker's world of politics and war.

Gene's Reaction to Quackenbush's Maimed Accusation in A Separate Peace

In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Gene reacts violently when Quackenbush accuses him of being "maimed," hitting him across the face. This reaction is driven by Gene's guilt over causing his friend Finny's accident, which left Finny physically maimed. Gene's emotional turmoil and feelings of guilt render him "maimed" in spirit. The fight symbolizes Gene's internal struggle and his subconscious desire to defend both Finny and himself from the truth of his actions and insecurities.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Chapter 5 Summary

Next

Chapter 7 Summary

Loading...