The war is a constant environment for the boys at Devon they become used to it surrounding them. One boy in particular is getting interested in the war not so much interested but notices it more and more to the point of mockery, Phinny. He befriends the most symbolic character in the novel, Gene. He has a deeper conflict in himself that is expressed in the underlying meanings in his talking.

Gene has an emotional war waging in his sub-conscience. The war around him in this novel is symbolizing his inner feelings. For example Gene has an enemy like in the war yet his is Phinny. He has other rivals such as Chet Douglass the only boy that could ruin Gene's chances of being head of the class.

At one point in the book Gene feels that Phinny is purposely trying to bring his grades...