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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Finny explain serves as a tribute to the school's role in the war effort?

2. What does Gene tell a story about?

3. What does Finny want to do after tea?

4. Who is described as 'lily livered'?

5. What does Finny accuse Gene of wanting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gene do one night that leads him to conclude he "will never stumble through the confusions of [his] own character again?"

2. What does Finny say when Gene asks him what he remembers about the fall?

3. What does Gene remember as he pauses near the river on his way to an appointment at the Crew House?

4. Describe the opening scene of Devon when the Fall Session convenes.

5. What does Gene realize about the rivalry between Finny and himself?

6. Compare and contrast Brinker and Leper.

7. What seemed so much larger to Gene, as told by him, when he was younger as opposed to now?

8. What group do the two boys decide to form while they are down by the tree after tea time?

9. What sport does Finny think is a horrible addition to the summer athletics program?

10. Who is the narrator of "A Separate Peace"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of jealousy is one that comes up often in the story itself. Longing for something that someone else has is natural, but it can have tragic consequences.

Part 1: Describe the jealousy that Gene and Finny feel.

Part 2: What does the jealousy of these two characters seem to cause for them and for their lives?

Part 3: What other ways is jealousy shown to affect the other characters in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

While Gene is the narrator of the story, it seems most of the action and reaction in the story is related to Finny.

Part 1: Why is Gene the more important character in this novel?

Part 2: Why doesn't Finny make sense as the main character in this book?

Part 3: Is there another character you feel is even more important? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

From the very beginning, we learn that Gene will be the narrator from the story, but as with any narrator, a reader must question whether they can be trusted or not.

Part 1: Do you think Gene is a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

Part 2: In realizing that Gene might not be the most reliable narrator, how does this change your perception of the story and of Gene and Finny?

Part 3: What other character might prove to be a more reliable narrator? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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