Dr. Stanpole comes in.
Slides down from the window
Gene sneaked into the infirmary to retrieve some medical supplies to help his injured friend, Finny. He wanted to take care of Finny and support him during his recovery.
Slides down from the window
The dialogue between Gene and Finny in the Infirmary includes Gene reassuring Finny of his innocence in causing the fall, and Finny expressing his disbelief and disappointment in what had happened. Finny also insists on Gene accepting the truth about his involvement in the accident.
Yes, Gene does tell Finny the truth. This is when Gene visits Finny in his mother's house. Gene knew he was guilty and felt the need to confess to Finny. Gene told him that he purposefully jounced the limb to knock Finny out of the tree. However, Finny was hurt more by what Gene admitted to then what Gene did. Finny told Gene to get out of his house. Later, when Finny came back to school, he ignored this conversation.
Gene offers Finny friendship and support after causing him to fall out of the tree. He feels guilty for his actions and wants to make amends by being there for Finny when he needs someone to rely on. Through this experience, Gene learns the importance of loyalty and compassion in their friendship.
One quote where Gene feels guilt for what he did to Finny in "A Separate Peace" is when he says, "I killed my enemy there." This quote is significant because it reveals Gene's realization and admission of the harm he caused Finny. Another quote is when Gene reflects, "I jounced the limb. I caused it....I deliberately jounced the limb so you would fall off." This quote conveys Gene's acknowledgment of his own culpability in causing Finny's fall and subsequent injury.
In "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles, Gene jounced the limb that caused Finny to fall because of his complex emotions of jealousy and resentment towards Finny. Gene's internal struggle with his own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy led him to act impulsively and harm his friend. The jouncing of the limb symbolizes the destructive consequences of envy and the complexities of friendship and rivalry.
because finny never lost his innocence, but gene did, and when gene lost his innocence, his bestial side was revealed, which allowed him to take out his anger on finny
Gene realizes that Finny genuinely cares about their friendship and does not hold any grudges or jealousy towards Gene. Gene understands that Finny sees him as a true friend and not as a rival or competitor.
Gene admires Finny's ability to bring out the best in people and lift their spirits. He admires Finny's athleticism, fearlessness, and charisma. Gene is also drawn to Finny's genuine kindness and loyalty as a friend.
Finny may appear small and old to Gene because Gene has just had a transformative experience and his perception of Finny has shifted. This could symbolize Gene seeing Finny in a new light, perhaps with more understanding or empathy. It also suggests that Gene's focus is now on his own abilities and growth rather than on comparing himself to Finny.