In John Knowles, A Separate Peace, there is a transformation in all the key elements in the book, from the rivers to the tree to the seasons to the characters. The transformation isspecifically seen in Leper, Gene, and Phineas. These three young men experience a change not justbecause of the transitions through adolescence. These changes also come about because of the war,the school, and an injury. Leper Lepellier is a very odd young man. He is quiet and is finds himself always taken bysurprise. He really is not popular and that does not concern him in any way. Leper really has notrue friends at the Devon school, but talks to Gene. He entertains himself by collecting snails,looking for beaver damns, and skiing. His personality does not allow him to depend on anyone forhelp. As time progresses and the other boys start the winter session he decides to enroll in the war.A couple of months later Gene receives a telegram from Leper saying he is in his Christmaslocation (131) This is the first sign that Leper demonstrates that he needs people. He realizes thehappiness, fear and anger have to be shared with others. Leper then tells Gene I escaped (135)and he says he did it to please himself. He is starting to realize things that are going on in theworld. He no longer lives in his bubble.Gene Forrester is a quiet, envious, introverted, and lonely young man. His insecurities areespecially seen when Finny is around. There is a constant rivalry through Genes eyes betweenthem. He always chooses to compete or argue with Phineas. The first example of his competitivepersonality is seen when Phineas asks him to jump out of the tree. Phineas says, you were verygood, once I shamed you into it. .. I am good for you that way. You have a tendency to back awayfrom things otherwise. and Gene states you didnt shame anybody into anything. I never backedaway from anything in my life. (10) Gene would have never jumped off the tree if it were not forFinny. Gene ...
