A Separate Peace

Wednesday, May 17 - Why does Phineas deny the existence of the war? Explain your answer with references to the text.

Although it is very apparent that there is a war being fought, Finny continues to hide from the reality and doubts the existence of the war. The reason for this was because of the fact that he could not participate in it and he is therefore denying its existence. In the book, Brinker approaches Gene and questions him about the fact that he has not made any steps towards enlisting and says that Gene isn’t joining the war because he pitied Finny, who could jot join because of his hurt leg.

Later in the novel, right before the “trial” in the assembly hall Finny finally has a conversation with Gene where he states that he in no longer going to keep himself sheltered