John Knowles was an American author best known for his novels which focus heavily on New England and private boarding schools. He is most well-known for his novel A Separate Peace, which follows the friendship of two teenagers and the destructive nature of self-doubt, set against the ever-looming backdrop of World War II.
John Knowles
John Knowles was born in West Virginia in 1926. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy, an all-boys boarding school in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he graduated in 1945. He spent two years in the Army following his graduation, where he did not see any action in World War II.
His first and most well-known novel, A Separate Peace likely draws most of its inspiration from Knowles’ time at Phillips Exeter Academy. It follows the journey of two boys, Gene and Finny, whose friendship comes under threat as Gene’s own self-doubt causes him to see competition where there is none. This leads not to Gene’s own self-destruction, but that of his best friend Finny, whom he finally realizes that he was never at war with at all. The entirety of the novel is set against the backdrop of World War II in 1943, where the boys all have a very real fear of being drafted, or enlisting and being killed. The Devon School is an oasis away from the realities of war, but that is exactly what Gene finds himself battling as he comes to terms with his own insecurities.
Knowles followed up the novel in 1981 with a novel called Peace Breaks Out, set at the Devon School again, and also revolving around the antics of school-aged boys whose actions result in someone’s death, and they are plagued by their guilt. While also well-written in typical Knowles style, it was not as well-received as his first work.
Knowles’ writings were mostly set in the scenic New England area, especially in New Hampshire. He was known for capturing the beauty of the seasons and the atmosphere of the towns with his words. Knowles died in 2001.
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Try it for Free!Famous Works of John Knowles
- A Separate Peace
- Morning in Antibes
- The Paragon
- Peace Breaks Out
John Knowles Quotes
“It seemed clear that wars were not made by generations and their special stupidities, but that wars were made instead by something ignorant in the human heart.”
“What I mean is, I love winter, and when you really love something, then it loves you back, in whatever way it has to love.”
“There was no harm in taking aim, even if the target was a dream.”
How Tos about Who was John Knowles?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Who was John Knowles?
What is Knowles' theory of adult learning?
Knowles' theory of adult learning, also known as andragogy, explains how adults learn differently from children. It emphasizes self-direction, real-life experience, readiness to learn, and relevance of the material to adult learners.
How does Knowles' model differ from traditional pedagogy?
Knowles' model focuses on adults taking responsibility for their own learning, while traditional pedagogy is teacher-centered and aimed at children. Andragogy encourages collaboration, practical application, and drawing on learners' experiences.
Why is Knowles' theory important for teachers?
Knowles' theory helps teachers design lessons that engage adult learners by connecting content to their personal experiences and needs. Understanding andragogy can improve teaching strategies for professional development and lifelong learning programs.
What are the key principles of Knowles' andragogy?
The main principles include: self-concept (adults want to direct their own learning), experience (using prior knowledge), readiness to learn (motivated by life roles), orientation to learning (problem-centered), and motivation (internal incentives).
How can teachers apply Knowles' theory in the classroom?
Teachers can apply Knowles' theory by encouraging learner autonomy, relating lessons to real-life situations, facilitating discussions, and using collaborative projects. This approach leverages the existing experiences and interests of adult students.
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