What do you do when you're jealous of your best friend? Why? Is it because they're funny and likeable? Is it because they don't choose sides; they're on everyone's team? It because they seem to get away with anything? Is it because of their innocence? Is it about their beliefs that friendship is true with no negative repercussions? Is it because they choose not to conform to society's demand of "coloring in the lines"? You love and admire them so much that you want to become them. In the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles, Gene transforms himself into his best friend, Phineas.

Phineas is a charming and witty boy. He can get out of any unwanted situation with the twisting of words, which were his wand. He never takes sides and is liked by everyone. He will rebel against the preconceived societal guidelines that bind the...