Chapter 9 Summary
Although Gene does not ever believe Finny's assertion that "the whole production of World War II (is) a trick of the eye manipulated by a bunch of calculating fat old men," he is drawn into Finny's "vision of peace" nonetheless. The happiness he derives from the delusion is so great that he is not even shaken when Leper Lepellier, an unlikely candidate, becomes the first to enlist among his classmates. Early in January, a recruiter from the United States ski troops had come to Devon and shown a film depicting "the cleanest image of war (Gene) had ever seen." Leper, who will shortly turn eighteen and lose his chance to choose the branch of the military in which he will serve, is enchanted by the images of "skiers in white shrouds" winging their way down pristine slopes; he makes his decision, and is gone. Leper's enlistment at first makes the war seem even more unreal to the classmates he has left behind, as they cannot reconcile the idea of the quirky, gentle-spirited boy becoming a soldier. Soon, however, Leper becomes their "liaison with World War II." Under the leadership of Brinker, they imagine Leper as being intimately involved in the key events reported in the news. Everyone begins to contribute to the tales of his great exploits except Phineas. Finny fastidiously avoids any talk having to do with the critical events of the times, and creates a world of his own where there is no war, drawing only Gene along with him.
Late winter Saturday afternoons are especially boring and depressing at the school, and to alleviate the dreary mood, Finny organizes the Devon Winter Carnival. Although the students have become increasingly apathetic about anything civilian, they succumb to Finny's unbounded enthusiasm for the project and grudgingly take part. On the Saturday of the scheduled event, the necessary props are set up by the boys at the small park on the bank of the Naguamsett River. Their most "cautiously guarded treasure" includes several jugs of "very hard cider" which they have somehow managed to obtain, and which they have buried in the snow at the center of the park for safekeeping. Around the cider, "sloppy statues" made of snow and parodying the various masters are arranged, along with a large, circular classroom table on which an eccentric variety of prizes are to be displayed. The prizes include Finny's old icebox, a Webster's Collegiate Dictionary "with all the most stimulating words marked," and a copy of the Iliad with the English translation of each sentence conveniently provided. Phineas sits in the place of honor at the table, completely preoccupied with the task of arranging the prizes. After an abstracted word from him, the now anxious boys gather around in anticipation and rush at Brinker, who is guarding the cider. Momentary chaos ensues, and the games open with the uproarious imbibing of alcohol and the ritualistic burning of the copy of the Iliad as a symbolic representation of the Olympic torch. Intoxicated by the cider and their own exuberance, the boys celebrate the event with abandon, as Finny leaps upon the table, "springing and spinning from one bare space to another" among the prizes in an unfettered "choreography of peace." At the end of this demonstration, he directs "our Olympic candidate Gene Forrester" through a variety of paces designed to qualify him for the future event, after which Gene is crowned with a wreath made from the boughs of an evergreen tree.
The Winter Carnival is a resounding success, expressing a liberation "torn from the gray encroachments of 1943." From the shadow of war, the boys have achieved a "momentary, illusory, special and separate peace." The mood is suddenly and irrevocably shattered, however, when a telegram arrives for Gene. It is from Leper, who has "escaped and need(s) help...(his) safety depends on (Gene) coming at once."
Expert Q&A
What is the "separate peace" that Finny establishes in chapter 9 of A Separate Peace?
In Chapter 9, Finny establishes a "separate peace" by organizing the Winter Carnival, which provides a temporary escape from the harsh realities of World War II. This event, filled with fun and camaraderie, allows the boys to experience a fleeting sense of freedom and joy, away from the war's shadow. Finny's influence helps create an atmosphere of exuberance and illusionary peace, though it is abruptly ended by Leper's telegram, reminding them of the inescapable reality.
In A Separate Peace, what did Leper's telegram say?
Leper's telegram in "A Separate Peace" reads: "I HAVE ESCAPED AND NEED YOUR HELP. I AM AT CHRISTMAS LOCATION. YOU UNDERSTAND. NO NEED TO ASK ADDRESS HERE. MY SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU COMING AT ONCE. YOUR BEST FRIEND, ELWIN LEPER LEPELLIER." This message indicates that Leper has deserted the military, likely due to post-traumatic stress, highlighting how the war impacts even the most unlikely individuals and penetrates the peaceful world of Devon.
In A Separate Peace, what prizes does Finny give out in Chapter 9?
In Chapter 9, Finny organizes a Winter Carnival with prizes including an icebox, a marked Webster's Dictionary, York barbells, an English-translated Illiad, photographs of Betty Grable, a lock of Hazel Brewster's hair, a handwoven rope ladder, a forged draft card, and $4.13 from the Headmaster's fund. However, these prizes are never distributed as the festivities are interrupted by a telegram for Gene from Leper.
In Chapter 9 of A Separate Peace, what language emphasizes the boys' dismal world?
How does the tone change at the end of Chapter 9 in A Separate Peace? Who receives the telegram and what does it say?
The tone at the end of Chapter 9 shifts from lighthearted and carefree to ominous and tense. Initially, the chapter describes the fantasy world created by Finny, culminating in a Winter Carnival that offers a temporary escape from reality. However, the mood changes abruptly when Gene receives a telegram from Leper Lepellier, who has escaped from the military and urgently needs Gene's help, indicating a return to the harsh realities of war.
What important quotes from chapters 8 and 9 of A Separate Peace relate to the boys' characters?
In "A Separate Peace," what does Finny's burning of the Iliad at the carnival symbolize?
Finny's burning of The Iliad at the Devon Winter Carnival symbolizes a rebellion against war and reality. It reflects his desire to create a world without conflict, pulling Gene away from the wartime atmosphere of World War II. The act also signifies a protest against the glorification of war, as The Iliad is an epic about the Trojan War. Additionally, it represents Finny's liberation and a momentary escape into a peaceful, joyous existence.
In A Separate Peace, what does Gene attribute his Decathlon success to?
Gene attributes his Decathlon success to the temporary sense of liberation and peace he experienced during the Devon Winter Carnival. This event allowed the boys to momentarily escape the looming presence of World War II and the responsibilities it imposed. Gene emphasizes that his performance was not due to the cider but to the "illusory, special and separate peace" created by their brief respite from the war's encroachments.
In "A Separate Peace," who is the first Devon school boy to enlist in the war?
Leper Lepellier is the first Devon School student to enlist in World War II. Despite his quiet nature and love for science and nature, Leper is captivated by the idea of joining the ski troops after watching war films. His enlistment surprises his peers and illustrates the war's surreal impact on their lives. However, Leper struggles with military life and eventually goes AWOL due to the harsh realities of service, contrasting his initial naive expectations.
In "A Separate Peace," what contrasts between the two windows at Leper's house?
What orders does Gene receive from Finny at the "decathlon", and how does he feel about it?
During the Winter Carnival, Finny declares Gene will participate in a "decathlon," and Gene feels liberated and exhilarated by Finny's charisma and imaginative escape from reality. Although Gene is technically ordered to perform various feats, he does so willingly, not due to the influence of cider, but because of the temporary peace and freedom Finny creates. Gene deeply appreciates Finny's ability to craft a separate world away from the war's grim realities.
In Chapter 9 of A Separate Peace, what do Finny and Brinker symbolize?
In Chapter 9, Finny symbolizes individualism, dynamism, and pacifism, as he creates a "happy place" like the Winter Carnival to escape the reality of war, which he denies. In contrast, Brinker represents conservatism, patriotism, and realism, embracing the war and preparing for military life by disengaging from civilian activities. These characters symbolize different responses to crisis and maturity, reflecting broader societal attitudes during World War II.
The surprising nature of Leper's decision to be the first to enlist in "A Separate Peace"
The surprising nature of Leper's decision to be the first to enlist in "A Separate Peace" lies in his character. Typically seen as a gentle, nature-loving, and somewhat eccentric individual, Leper is the last person his peers would expect to join the military. His unexpected enlistment highlights the unpredictable impact of war on individuals.
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.
Already a member? Log in here.