Document Type
Sophomore Honorable Mention
Award Date
Fall 2013
Course Name
Literary Explorations I
Teacher
Erin Micklo
Abstract
19th century poet Ralph Waldo Emerson famously observed that "the only way to have a friend is to be one." His statement suggests that friendship is a two-way street, requiring contributions and sacrifices from all members to qualify as a genuine bond. However, in A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, the relationship between Gene and Phineas demonstrates that Emerson’s definition does not always hold true. As each boy struggles with his own inner turmoil and sense of identity on the brink of World War II, their friendship becomes unstable and incredibly one-sided – Gene constantly questions Phineas’ motives, convinced that a much darker evil lurks beneath his best friend’s amicable demeanor. Phineas, on the other hand, never wavers in his belief of Gene’s loyalty and always goes above and beyond. For his honesty, supportiveness, and loyalty, Phineas is a good friend to Gene.
Recommended Citation
Qiu, Joy '16, "To Be a Friend: an Analysis of Phineas’ Character" (2013). 2013 Fall Semester. 6.
https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/fall2013/6