Characters
Gene’s best friend and the most athletic boy at Devon.
Who is Phineas (Finny)?
Gene causes this incident that changes Finny’s life.
What is jouncing the tree limb (causing his fall)?
Gene’s feelings toward Finny are shaped by this destructive emotion.
hat is jealousy?
The name of the school where the story takes place.
What is Devon?
“We reminded them of what peace was like…” reflects what theme?
What is innocence or contrast between peace and war?
This quiet, nature-loving student enlists and suffers a mental breakdown.
Who is Leper?
Gene tries on Finny’s clothes to...
What is feel closer to Finny / escape guilt?
Leper’s experience shows that this affects people even without combat.
What is war (psychological impact of war)?
The war happening during the novel.
What is World War II?
“It was the next thing to suicide” describes showing what at Devon?
What is emotion or vulnerability?
This student leader hosts a trial to uncover what happened at the tree.
Who is Brinker Hadley?
The purpose of Brinker’s mock trial.
What is to discover the truth about Finny’s fall?
Gene’s internal struggle with who he is represents this universal theme.
What is identity?
The tree symbolizes this major theme.
What is the loss of innocence?
“We’re grooming you for the Olympics” shows Finny’s...
What is denial of reality / fantasy?
Gene fights with this crew team captain who represents aggression and authority.
Who is Quackenbush?
What unusual event does Finny organize during the Winter Session?
What is the Winter Carnival?
Gene’s decisions are heavily influenced by this feeling after the tree incident.
What is guilt?
Finny’s pink shirt is a symbol of this.
What is rebellion or carefree defiance?
“I killed my enemy there.” Who is Gene’s real enemy?
What is himself / his jealousy?
Gene’s academic rival who plays the trumpet and loves learning.
Who is Chet Douglass?
The outcome of Finny’s second accident and surgery.
What is he dies unexpectedly?
Finny’s denial of the war reveals this type of adolescent behavior.
What is escapism or denial?
This season at Devon is more carefree and relaxed.
What is the Summer Session?
“Nothing endures, not a tree…” shows Gene’s realization about...
What is impermanence / loss / acceptance?