Reflections of teen psychology in John Knowles's A Separate Peace

Abstract

The present study on John Knowles’s A Separate Peace exposes the psychology of the teenagers. In this regard, the research attempts to present the problem that one faces when s/he grows up. It shows how the characters of the novel deal with the tragedy of meeting and accepting the experience and of leaving innocence behind. World War II lies at the center of the novels which symbolizes the loss of innocence. Symbolically they are fighting a war within themselves, whether to live in the carefree life of the prep school or move into the confusion of the adulthood. The confusion of the characters like Finny and Gene is related to the issue of war whether to accept or deny its existence. Finny, until near his death denies the reality of war. For him there is no growing up. On the other hand, Gene accepting the truth of life remains alive.