I must begin this last post of the summer with a brief commentary on my thoughts regarding all six of these works. I must say that they have all challenged me to think, and John Knowle's masterpiece A Seperate Peace is no exception. Written with powerful language, a noble theme, and a message that still speaks to us today, I feel that this book is certainly a contemporary classic.
Phineas is a bright man trying to perfect himself. Always, Finny is trying to excell. But there's something special about him, which Phineas doesn't quite realize is unique. He doesn't have to work to excell. Things come naturally to him. Gene Forrester, not knowing what to make of Finny, makes him an enemy. And time and time again, we see that Gene's suspicions have no foundation, and we see Finny's unwillingness to believe in such treachery.
Phineas has what I think all of us would call a pure heart. He never suspects anyone, never judges anyone, and in doing this he refuses to lower himself. But ultimately, Phineas cannot face the truth. The truth shows Phineas what the world truly is: base and inhumane. Again, Finny's childlike innocence prevents him from seeing the truth of war just as it prevents him from seeing the reason for his broken leg.
Present in these examples is the common theme of perfection. Phineas perhaps recognizes that he can't be perfect, but cannot accept the fact that the world won't live up to his standards. Ultimately, everyone's own worst enemy is themself. Gene's guilt consumes him, Phineas' innocence betrays him, and all those going off to war lie to themselves by making someone else the enemy.
I was powerfully affected by the instance where Phineas burns The Iliad. This symbolizes the fact that none of the boys have strong convictions. Achilles was a character with convictions which he stood for to the end. We all see others "die in battle", but this can not pollute our minds in seeking our own perfection. The inner battle is what matters.
I think this book gives a most powerful message to students in particular. It is set in the same spot as, ironically, our lives. Let us endeavor to not pit ourselves against the world. For we are the real monsters. Also, I was reminded of the quote by Nietzsche, "He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how." Is Knowles challenging us to find a why before it is too late?
We as humans have evolved from worm to man, and there is still much worm in us. But there is hope. There is always faith that a little bit of Phineas' triumphant character will live on in us all. I intend to enter the academical year with this vigor and passion.
Anthony i think this is the best one i have read so far about this book. You completely made me look at this book in a different way. But i do have to say that i dont think Phineas didn't believe in the war as much as he just didn't want everyone to keep talking about it. Like Gene for insatnce who brought the war up quite a bit. I think Phineas just didn't like hearing about it soo he pushed his "belief" that war didnt exist.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I didn't quite make a clear comment about Phineas. He does not believe in the war because in war, you have to face an enemy which stands in front of you. In order to kill that enemy, you must demonize him/her. It is evident that Phineas wishes to believe in no enemies. I think it's a question of striking a balance between the "inner battle" and knowing who your enemies are (if you have any).
ReplyDeleteThis was a really good post, you have quite a writing style. I agree for the most part about your thoughts on Phineas. He was a picture of innocence, trusting in everyone, a little unruly, but honest otherwise. He reacts to hard times and changes much like a little kid with his fingers in his ears, and sometimes we all do that. And you are right, people really are their own worst enemy's.
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