A Seperate Peace Ch.2 & Ch.3

Chapter 2:

"This time he wasn't going to get away with it. I could feel myself becoming unexpectedly excited at that" (27).

"Phineas was going to get away with even this" (28).

"I felt a sudden stab of disappointment. That was because I just wanted to see more excitement; that must have been it" (28).

Contradicting Quote:

"He got away with everything because of his extraordinary kind of person he was. It was quite a compliment to me, as a matter of fact, to have such a person choose me for his best friend" (29).

Gene actually wants to see his best friend get into trouble. Yes, Gene has a strong admiration for Phineas; yet he wanted to see him get caught? Is that really something your "best" friend would wish to happen to you? In the next two quotes after that, Gene feels disappointed when Phineas does not get into trouble. Gene's excuse was that he "wanted to see more excitement", but clearly we can tell he would have been very satisfied if Phineas was sent to the truant's corner. The last quote I choice was a quote I felt contradicted how Gene felt towards Phineas. In this quote, he goes on to say how amazing Phineas is and how lucky he is to have Phineas for a best friend. With all that said, Gene had wanted something bad to happen to Phineas. What kind of friendship is that? Gene could easily be accused of being jealous of his "best" friend.

Is Gene dependent on Phineas?



Chapter 3:

'I went along; I never missed a meeting. At that time it would never have occurred to me to say, "I don't feel like it tonight." which was the plain truth every night' (34).

Gene acts as though he has no choice but to listen and follow Phineas. Gene can do whatever he wants, so it is not right of him to be acting in such a snobbish manner. If you don't feel like going to the meetings, then don't go! Phineas is a genuine, fun-loving person. He has not shown any dislike towards somebody nor has he caused anybody harm. The attention Phineas attracts is bugging Gene more and more. If Gene doesn't decide to tell his "best" friend the "truth", then there will be a lot more other things Gene will hold back from telling Phineas. This could really hurt his relationship with Phineas and Gene is not realizing that. All he wants is Phineas to suffer and look like the better half of the two for once. It is better to be frank and keep an honest relationship rather than have it drag on with phony lies.

When will Gene break?