The setting begins in 1958 but flashes back to the years 1941-1943 during WWII. The flash back takes place at the Devon School, a New England all boy academy. This school is secluded do to the hovering cloud of the war and is revolved around sports for the boys who attend Devon. There are vast amounts of fields for multiple sports. The tennis courts are on the left of the school, with football, soccer, and lacrosse fields in the center, and with woods to the right of Devon. Within the Devon school boundaries are thin lakes and rivers. Beside the Devon River is an intimidating tree that possesses the significance of coming of age or becoming a “soldier.” Although this book is fictional, I do believe it could happen today.There could be an all boy military school with boys that break the rules frequently. Students could be worrying about their grades. The athletic people are usually the popular students in the school.Gene and Finny depend on each other. Relationships today can be like Finny’s and Gene’s dependent friendship. For example, a commander and lieutenant depend on each other in the war. Finny is the commander and Gene is the lieutenant. One can’t function or do their job without the other.
3 Comments
on “3. Setting and Genre”
3 Comments on “3. Setting and Genre”
Aimee:
How does the setting tell you something more about the story? What does the setting do to enhance the plot? Remember–this is a boy’s military prep school that is “disciplined” on the outside but unraveling on the inside. How does this thought change the way you view the setting?
You brought out a lot of great points on how this is relatable and could be considered a true story. Plus, I think you described the scene quite well considering it’s an all boys school and it consists of sports all over the place.
It enhances the plot because it shows that this school is a separate peace all its own. The setting helps explain the significance of the title.