Characters
At the beginning of the text, What is the relationship between Gene and Finny?
They are best friends and roommates.
How many years has Gene been away from Devon when he returns?
15 years
What does the tree symbolize in ASP?
the loss of innocence and the transition from childhood to adulthood
Who says, "I lost part of myself to him"?
Gene
What does Finny's swim record represent?
It represents Finny's natural talent and his challenge to societal norms
Which character invents Blitzball?
Finny
What does Finny say to convince Gene to jump from the tree?
"When they torpedo the troopship, you can’t stand around admiring the view"
What is the significance of the Super Suicide Society?
It represents the boys' search for identity and their struggles with fear and bravery.
Who says, “Naturally I don't believe books and I don't believe teachers, but I do believe you”
Finny
What does the marble staircase symbolize?
Fragility and consequences of actions
Who leads the original interrogation about Finny's fall?
Brinker
What major event causes Finny's injury?
Gene jounces the limb of the tree, causing Finny to fall
How does Gene's jealousy affect his relationship with Finny?
It creates tension and leads to feelings of guilt and betrayal
Identify the quote: "I’ve gotten awfully mad sometimes and forgotten what I was doing”
Gene reflecting on Finny’s potential response
How does the Devon School represent the boys' struggles?
It serves as a representation of the external world and the pressures of adolescence.
What does Gene do when he visits Finny in Boston?
He confesses he caused Finny’s accident but changes the subject when it upsets Finny.
What made Gene "even" with Finny?
Gene was the best of academics while Fonny was the best athlete
What does the war represent for the boys?
The war symbolizes the harsh realities of adulthood and the end of their innocence
Who says, “It seemed clear that wars were not made by generations... but that wars were made instead by something ignorant in the human heart”
Leper
What does the war symbolize in the context of the text?
It symbolizes the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood.
Who is Leper and what happens to him in the military?
Leper is a friend who has drafted and eventually deserts the army instead of getting a section eight discharge.
What causes Finny's death?
bone marrow to the heart
How does the theme of friendship evolve throughout the story?
Friendship is tested by jealousy, guilt, and the impacts of war, ultimately leading to growth and understanding.
What does Gene mean when he says, "My war ended before I ever put on a uniform"?
He refers to the internal conflicts and struggles he faced at school rather than the external war.
What does Gene's final reflection signify about his growth?
It shows his understanding of his own identity and the complexities of friendship and rivalry.