Activity Overview
A primary theme in the novel is friendship, and the dynamics and complexities that come along with such a topic. A good introduction is to have students list the “good” and “bad” characteristics of friends, and create a common list among the class that everyone can understand. Then, have students track specific examples of whether or not Gene is a good friend throughout each chapter. By the end of the novel, students usually have strong opinions and evidence to back up their thoughts about Gene as a friend to Finny. Have students use this evidence in a six-cell storyboard to illustrate their opinion as to whether Gene is a good friend or a bad friend to Finny.
The example storyboard highlights that Gene is a good friend to Finny, along with some traits of being a good friend.
Gene as a Good Friend to Finny
| Compassionate | Gene confesses to Finny that he knocked him out of the tree, but once he sees how badly he is hurting Finny, he takes it back. He doesn’t want to make Finny feel worse just to make himself feel better. |
|---|---|
| Loyal | Gene was going to enlist in the Army with Brinker, but once Finny returns to school, he decides to stay with Finny instead. |
| Cooperative | When Finny returns to school, Gene agrees to train for the 1944 Olympics to take Finny’s place since Finny can’t play sports anymore. |
| Helpful | Gene helps Finny plan and execute the Winter Carnival, a welcome distraction from the war and the winter doldrums that hit the boys around this time of year. |
| Communicative | Gene tries to apologize to Finny when he is in the Infirmary, and before he dies, he is able to tell Finny that he didn’t jounce the limb out of hatred. |
| Honesty | Gene’s friendship with Finny makes him a better person: he becomes more honest, less rigid about conforming to the world around him, and he continues to remember Finny, as evidenced by his return to the tree and the stairs 15 years later. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the traits that Gene possesses in the headers.
- Give an example from the book that supports this trait.
- Create an image for examples using appropriate scenes, characters, a items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
A primary theme in the novel is friendship, and the dynamics and complexities that come along with such a topic. A good introduction is to have students list the “good” and “bad” characteristics of friends, and create a common list among the class that everyone can understand. Then, have students track specific examples of whether or not Gene is a good friend throughout each chapter. By the end of the novel, students usually have strong opinions and evidence to back up their thoughts about Gene as a friend to Finny. Have students use this evidence in a six-cell storyboard to illustrate their opinion as to whether Gene is a good friend or a bad friend to Finny.
The example storyboard highlights that Gene is a good friend to Finny, along with some traits of being a good friend.
Gene as a Good Friend to Finny
| Compassionate | Gene confesses to Finny that he knocked him out of the tree, but once he sees how badly he is hurting Finny, he takes it back. He doesn’t want to make Finny feel worse just to make himself feel better. |
|---|---|
| Loyal | Gene was going to enlist in the Army with Brinker, but once Finny returns to school, he decides to stay with Finny instead. |
| Cooperative | When Finny returns to school, Gene agrees to train for the 1944 Olympics to take Finny’s place since Finny can’t play sports anymore. |
| Helpful | Gene helps Finny plan and execute the Winter Carnival, a welcome distraction from the war and the winter doldrums that hit the boys around this time of year. |
| Communicative | Gene tries to apologize to Finny when he is in the Infirmary, and before he dies, he is able to tell Finny that he didn’t jounce the limb out of hatred. |
| Honesty | Gene’s friendship with Finny makes him a better person: he becomes more honest, less rigid about conforming to the world around him, and he continues to remember Finny, as evidenced by his return to the tree and the stairs 15 years later. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the traits that Gene possesses in the headers.
- Give an example from the book that supports this trait.
- Create an image for examples using appropriate scenes, characters, a items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about A Separate Peace: Analyzing Gene as a Friend
Model a classroom debate on Gene’s friendship qualities
Set up a structured debate by dividing students into two groups—one arguing Gene is a good friend, the other that he is not. This active approach helps all students engage with textual evidence and builds critical thinking skills.
Assign roles and prepare arguments with evidence
Have each group assign roles like main speaker, evidence gatherer, and rebuttal leader. Encourage students to use specific examples and quotes from the novel to back up their claims.
Facilitate respectful discussion and rebuttal
Guide the debate by allowing each side to present their case and then respond to the other group. Model respectful disagreement and remind students to listen closely to opposing arguments.
Reflect on the debate and connect to real-life friendships
Lead a closing reflection where students share what they learned about friendship and how the debate changed or reinforced their views. This step helps them connect literature to their own experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Separate Peace: Analyzing Gene as a Friend
Is Gene a good friend to Finny in A Separate Peace?
Gene shows both positive and negative traits as a friend to Finny in A Separate Peace. Throughout the novel, Gene demonstrates compassion, loyalty, and helpfulness, but he also struggles with jealousy and guilt. Ultimately, many students argue that Gene becomes a better friend as he matures, using honesty and self-reflection to build a deeper friendship with Finny.
What are some examples of Gene being a good friend in A Separate Peace?
Gene supports Finny by helping with the Winter Carnival, training for the Olympics in Finny’s place, and choosing to stay at school instead of enlisting when Finny returns. He also tries to be honest and apologizes to Finny, showing growth in their friendship.
How can I teach students to analyze Gene’s friendship with Finny?
Have students list qualities of good and bad friends, then track Gene’s actions chapter by chapter. Using evidence, ask them to create a six-cell storyboard illustrating whether Gene is a good or bad friend, supporting their opinions with examples from the novel.
What activities help students explore friendship themes in A Separate Peace?
Effective activities include class discussions about friendship traits, tracking Gene’s behavior, and creating storyboards that use textual evidence to argue if Gene is a good friend. These methods engage students and deepen understanding of the novel’s themes.
Why is analyzing Gene’s friendship important for understanding A Separate Peace?
Analyzing Gene’s friendship with Finny helps students uncover key themes like loyalty, honesty, and personal growth. It encourages critical thinking about complex relationships and moral choices in literature and real life.
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