How would you account for the developing friendship between the two boys??

Gene and Finny are character foils to each other. They both compete with each other yet crave each other's validation and friendship. Finny is attracted to Gene’s good grades while Gene is attracted to Finny's athleticism and care free manner. There is an unhealthy dynamic between these two. Both boys seem to need each other to establish their identity. The relationship is often passive aggressive. Gene's envy and resentment of Finny seems to fuel Finny's physical exploits. Gene also feels the need to accentuate his academic gifts to balance the relationship out. Their codependence also has undertones of latent homoeroticism.