Opposites Attract: Duality as Expressed Through Character and Imagery in 'A Separate Peace' Anonymous 9th Grade

Only when we compare something to its opposite can we see the true value of an object. In A Separate Peace by John Knowles, duality is a very important motif that helps set the theme of the entire book. Gene and Finny are two very different figures, complete opposites, who by a chance meeting become best friends. The book focuses on the internal issues introspective Gene faces dealing with his outgoing friend. From the characters to the underlying subjects of war and peace, A Separate Peace shows just how common duality is in our everyday world. Even the two rivers bordering the school, the Devon River and the Naguamsett, are two very contrasting entities. Throughout the story, the duality of the two rivers of Devon help the reader understand more about Finny, Gene, and the overall message of the book.

The easygoing Devon River can undoubtedly be linked to Finny’s carefree and childish nature. The Devon River is small and clean, always used by the boys during the break for their careless games. Unlike the Naguamsett, which flows into the merciless ocean, the Devon’s course is “determined by familiar hills.... [rising] among highland farms and forests” (76). Just like the comfortable life of childhood, the Devon symbolizes...