A Separate Peace: What the Author is Trying to Prove

In the book, A Separate Peace, the author, John Knowles, is trying to prove that Gene, one of the main characters, is delusional. Gene's best friend, Finny, is perhaps the primary reason of Gene's delusion. As the novel progresses, so does their friendship. It is then when Gene strongly starts to believe that there is a rivalry between him and Finny. In other words, he is having delusions which are beliefs that are not true. He has thoughts that consist of jealousy and pride towards his friend Finny. Gene's delusion worsens as the novel continues and it isn't until the end when he realizes his insanity.

Gene's delusion is shown early in the book when he states, "I couldn't help envying him a little. There was no harm in envying even your best friend a little". He's referring to the way Finny is able to persuade his teacher into believing a lie. In this quote, Gene admits that he's jealous of finny, but is reluctant to admit that it's an abundant amount, not just "a little". He uses the words "a little" to convince himself that his jealousy for feelings are natural. What he is trying to do, however, is convince himself that it won't lead to problems only if he envies him "a little". Deep inside he most likely knows that.

Gene's delusion continues throughout the book when he asks Finny, "You wouldn't mind if I would up ahead of the class, wouldn't you?" Finny just sarcastically answers, "I'd kill myself out of envy". Gene reacts to that in an eccentric matter. He starts to imagine events and even has ridiculous thoughts about comparing himself to Finny. At the same time, Gene tries to convince himself that he's sane by saying "I believe him" twice. Again, he thinks that by repeating, it will come true. In spite of Gene's efforts, however, his thoughts lead him only to more insanity. It leads him to conclude that since he's outstanding in academics and Finny in athletics, that they are "equal". In reality, Finny doesn't care about who is better at what. It just comes to show that Gene is delusional.

Gene's delusion is very visible when he makes Finny loose his balance and fall from a tree. When Gene states, "I was not of the same quality as he. I couldn't stand this" it makes him feel more insecure than ever and feels forced to make Finny fall to make himself feel better. Gene believes that by "destroying" Finny, it will prove that he's not perfect as everyone believes. Thus, Gene's insecurity will disappear. When Gene reflects, "... every trace of my fear of his forgotten" he is referring to his fear of not being "equal" to Finny. Since Gene's delusion is blinding him, he still believes that Finny wants to excel him in Academics. Therefore, Gene believes that by making Finny fall from the tree, Finny will not be able to do so. The delusion Gene worsens because it becomes apparent through his actions.

Towards the end of the novel, Gene states, "I alone was a dream, a figment which had never really touched anything". As he reflects, he realizes that his delusion had prevented him from enjoying anything. He realizes that all his worries were merely thoughts and ideas. Gene is certain of that by the time he stats, "I could not escape the feeling that this was my own funeral..." because he's assured that his thoughts, just like Finny, had vanished. He knows that since Finny is gone, he's not going to have to worry about his delusions anymore. Furthermore, even his own thoughts show that he had delusions.

Although Gene and Finny were close friends, Finny never intended to cause his delusions. Gene himself was the one who caused them. Aware, but not bothered to treat his delusions, Finny did not only result in a shattered leg, but shattered friendship.