Hello Kitty

Annotation Assignment

A Separate Peace

Setting:

1. Chapter 1, page 1, #2: "I didn't entirely like this glossy new surface"

Analysis: This quote shows that the setting was at one point different to the author. It was not glossy and new.

2. Chapter 1, page 4, #2: "Devon is sometimes considered the most beautiful school in New England, and even on this dismal afternoon its power was asserted."

Analysis: This quote showing setting can be closely related to the character Finny. Much like the school, Finny is beautiful even in the midst of some of his hateful classmates.

3. Chapter 1, page 5, #3: "Moving through the soaked, coarse grass I began to examine each one closely, and finally identified the tree I was looking for by means of certain small scars rising along its trunk, and by a limb extending over the river, and another thinner limb growing near it.

Analysis: This setting shows in detail a location which is directly tied to the author. He remembers the tree in such detail because this was the place were the main conflict in his life took place.

Theme:

1. Chapter 3, page 5, #3: "A little fog hung over the river so that as I neared it I felt myself becoming isolated from everything except the river and the few trees beside it. The wind was blowing more steadily here, and I was beginning to feel cold."

Analysis: This quote has the affect of creating a foreboding mood as if something dreadful is about to happen to gene and the landscape is warning him.

2. Chapter 2, page 18, #3: "It was hypnotism. I was beginning to see that Phineas could get away with anything."

Analysis: This quote is based on the theme of envy. It is clear that Gene feels that Phineas can get away with anything. The reader can tell that Gene hate him because of this.

3. Chapter 3, page 29, #1: ""Blitzkrieg", repeated Finny doubtfully. "We could figure out some kind of blitzkrieg baseball," I said. "We'll call it blitzkrieg ball," said Bobby. "Or just blitzball""

Analysis: This quote shows the theme of microcosm. The boys are so isolated from the rest of the world and the war, that they do not understand fully the horrors of war. So much so that they name a game after a German tank invasion were thousands of people died.

4. Chapter 5, page 53, #1: "I couldn't figure out exactly what this word meant, whether It meant broken in one or several places, cleanly or badly, and I didn't ask.

Analysis: This quote creates a mood of fear and confusion inside Gene. It is apparent that gene is confused yet at the same time so afraid of the real answer that he does not want to ask.

5. Chapter 5, page 59, #4: "I reached Boston seventeen hours behind schedule; there would be prestige in that at Devon, where those of us from long distances with travel adventures to report or invent held the floor for several days after vacation."

Analysis: This theme shows the theme of microcosm. The reader must realize this book is going on in the midst of the middle of the war. Yet these boys talk of going on vacation in their summer time. Which shows they are apart of their own "world".

6. Chapter 8, page 98, #4: ""So," Brinker curled his lip at me, "your little plot didn't work so well after all." "What's he talking about?" said Finny as I thrust his crutches beneath his shoulders. "Just talking," I said shortly. "What does Brinker ever talk about?"

Analysis: This quote creates an uneasy mood in Gene when he is put on the spot by Brinker. Gene knows what Brinker speaks of is partially true but he tries to suppress these thoughts and hide it from Finny.

7. Chapter 8, page 107, #5: "That kept the people who were young in the thirties in their places. But they couldn't use that trick forever, so for us in the forties they've cooked up this war fake."

Analysis: This quote shows the theme of microcosm. The boys are so isolated from the rest of the world that they are able to come up with such ludicrous ideas as a fake war. Where as, anywhere else they would be scolded for trying to deny the war.

8. Chapter 10, page 134, #5: "His face resumed its dull expression. The responsibility for continuing the conversation, since I had forced it to be superficial, was mine. "How log will you be here?""

Analysis: This quote shows the tense mood that is in the air as Gene creates an awkward situation with Lepper. It seems that Gene must go through great lengths just to continue the conversation.

9. Chapter 11, page 169, #2: ""you get the rest of the facts, Brinker!" he cried. "You get all your facts!" I had never seen Finny crying, "You collect every f---ing fact there is in the world!" He plunged out the doors"

Analysis: This quote shows the distressed mood Finny is in. He is so distressed that he starts crying and curses at Brinker. Gene also notes that this is the first time he has seen Finny crying.

10. Chapter 3, page 40, #1: ""...the proper person is your best pal." He hesitated and then added, "Which is what you are,""

Analysis: This quote shows the theme of friendship. As the two boys lay on the beach, Finny has the courage to say such a powerful thing and admit that Gene is his friend.

...