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Krishna and Co™®©                  - Closed the tab

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Krishna and Co™®©                  - Closed the tab

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

In the novel, Knowles uses Finny's altered attitude to the war as a symbol of loss and regret. In the beginning of the novel, Finny uses his "pink shirt" as an "Emblem" to commemorate the bombing of central Europe. This means that Finny wishes to congratulate and celebrate the success of the USA in the war. This suggests that Finny liked the idea of war, perhaps because it was linked to sports as there still are two teams competing against each other because they have similar interests. There is a misconception here because Finny makes his point of thinking that "everybody wins" at sport very clear, and that there is no losing team, evolving from his constant habit to win at sports. The misconception is that there is no winner in war, and that everyone loses, soldiers, money, men etc. The pink shirt further introduces the idea of contrast, as the colour pink has connotations of femininity and tenderness, where as war is a harsh and dangerous event.

An emblem is a symbolic object that is used as a distinctive badge of a nation. Using the pink shirt, Finny is defined as a patriot by Knowles, and the readers can infer that Finny is patriotic enough to risk his life and join the war. This viewpoint then quickly changes, towards the middle of the book, when Finny gets injured, and then believes that the war is staged by "some fat, old men." The words 'fat' and 'old' suggest that these 'men' didn't, and don't, pay attention to their health and fitness, which in Finny's eyes is an immediate disgrace to human kind. The idea that the war is staged suggests that Finny trys to make himself feel better about not being able to go to the war and fighting for his country, by not believing in the war at all. This branches out from his injury, from which the reader can infer that Finny regrets climbing that tree, because he lost so much that day. This makes the reader feel sorrow the inconsolable Finny. The idea of loss and regret ties in well with the war as there is only loss when a war going on and not 'everyone wins' [in fact, no one wins]

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How does ww2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles illustrates the symbolism of the war an show the boys characters has hanged as seen with leper, changed behaviour after the war. at the beginning of the novel, leper is seen as a mild, gentle boy, who loves nature and its tranquility, although he does turn into a shell of his old self, and a verified "psycho", Knowles uses this word to signify the traumatic impact that the war had on leper and his mental health. this shatters the boys illusion of the war being some money making scheme and the thought of them braking adulthood forever. this causes gene to come to the realization that the war was looming over them which changes the war from a distant threat to a reality. Knowles creates a solemn atmosphere, when mentioning lepers horrifying "hallucinations" and dreadful "breakdown" causing the reader to become sympathetic of lepers situation due to the melancholic mood, as they are reminded that leper is still a child, and is meant to be naive and carefree, however he is forced into adulthood, by the imminent danger of war, causing him to have to mature before his age. This shows how leper is a symbol for all the boys at Devon, and portrays how fast the boys' innocence can be stolen from them. this therefore highlight the negative effects that the war has.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles presents the theme of war by showing how the war effects the lives of the boys.

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How does WWII function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles uses the war as a symbol of boy's behaviour and actions. Knowles states that "because (Gene's) war ended before (he) ever put on (his) uniform: (he) was on active duty all (his) time at school; (he) killed his enemy there". Symbolically, the war reflects the inner conflict Gene has. It was Gene's fear that causes him to rival Phineas, a sort of private war of physical and mental ability. The ongoing war represents, not just Gene's private war, but all the other characters as well. The war also symbolises the boys' views on their own personal battles. For instance, Phineas states that "there isn't any war". This reflects Phineas' view on his own private war. As Phineas thinks that everyone around him idolises Phineas, he thinks that he has no personal enemies or battles. This is why the war, to him, is fake.

The war could also be used to represent the boys' loss of innocence. During the summer session, with the war depicted as being far away, the boys are more carefree, innocent and fun. This contrasts the boys later in the novel. As the war closes in, the boys start to mature, and their sense of freedom and innocence start to fade away.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic & thematic level?

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles uses the weather to show how the war has affected the boys lives. For example, in summer the boys were portrayed to be more carefree and innocent. They had a 'careless peace' surrounding them as they ignored the looming threat of war. Even the teachers had turned a blind eye towards their actions that would usually follow a punishment. They let them be because they were the last batch of boys who were yet to enlist. In winter, there is a sudden contrast as Knowles states that ' peace had deserted Devon'. This brings about a solemn mood as they boys prepare to enlist for the war. The teachers had brought about a more rigid routine, which in a way symbolises their preparation for war as Knowles states that 'if you broke the rules they broke you' which refers to the knid of life they will be living in the army, where it is basically survival of the fittest. This also mirrors they kind of rigid and strict routine they will be going through. A routine so harsh that it left leper damaged, 'psycho'.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles relates the contrast between the Naguamsett and Devon rivers as a representation and symbol of the war. Gene describes the Naguamsett as being "ugly, saline, fringed with marsh, mud and seaweed". Gene almost associates the river as being the war and is symbolic of the war and its harsh, cruel reality. He describes the river as "ugly" and "fringed" as if he's describing the war as also being ugly and fringed, this also relates to how the students feel about the winter time and how much they loved the summer session comparably. On the other hand Gene presents the Devon river as "nothing like" the Naguamsett, and the "fresh water Devon" river being comparably amazing. This symbolizes the joyfulness and happiness of the boys before the war was such a huge impact on their lives, also relating back to the summer session which was seen to be a lot more enjoyable and positive than the winter.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles utilises the theme of war to highlight how the boys daily lives are effected by it. During the summer session, the teachers and maids leave Devon due to the war; leaving the boys with their responsibilities. This is seen to effect the boys since Finny frustratingly questions about all the "crap about no maids". The language he uses clearly expresses his irritation with the situation because for so long he has depended on the maids to make his bed, but now he is left to do it himself. This emphasises the hardship that the war brings to the boys lives and makes the audience sympathises with them because the war entered so abruptly and made all these changes, and now they are left to fend for themselves. Therefore, Knowles intentionally utilises Finny's frustration to highlight how the war is constantly looming over the boys lives. Furthermore, with the teachers leaving also came with more lenient rules and regulations for the boys. This is seen when Mr. Ludsbury glosses over the boys breaking rules and saying "it didn't matter". After the war started to become more relevant within Devon, the teachers were not as strict because the boys reminded them of youth and innocence (as it was their last year before having to enlist). Knowles incorporates the theme of youth to contrast the theme of war and highlight the fact that the war is creeping into the boys lives and will later demolish the youth they have left. Also, this is emphasised through the title of the novel, 'a separate peace'. The word 'separate' means unconnected and divided and 'peace' means calmness and serenity. Knowles uses the title to show how the boys are divided from the war as long as they are in a tranquil place, which is Devon. Hence, WW2 functions in the novel through the ways it effects the boys daily lives but also how they are still separate from the war since their youth is still within them as long as they are in Devon.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic?

Knowles presents the Devon and Naguamsett river as a symbol of the war. Knowles describes the Naguamsett river as "ugly". this is a symbol of war to the boys at Devon since the war is chaotic and ugly to them. the Naguamsett also represents the dark and gloomy winter time which is the time that the boys start to get more affected by the war since the workers were drafted into the war. On the other hand, Knowles uses the description of the "fresh-water Devon" river as a symbol of the boys innocent and joyful summer were they have escaped the reality of war although the war was the at the back of their heads since it influenced most of the decisions they made such as jumping off the limb of the tree.

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knowles presents the war as a effect on the boys of devon. as t

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How does WW2 function in the novel on symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles portrays the symbolism of WW2 through Leper's experiences. Knowles does this by presenting Leper as an innocent, humble, weak and gentle character before the war. Whereas when he returns he has changed dramatically to being illustrated as a "psycho" character. Knowles utilises the word "psycho" to embellish the negative effect that the war had on Leper. Representing the catastrophic impact that is indicated by the sudden change in Leper's behaviour, from being humble to the next being blunt, from being weak to now being dominant and from being gentle to now becoming feisty. This symbolises  that Leper has completely lost himself. Lost who he truly was, due to the war. Thus, symbolising the harsh effect that the war had.

Furthermore, Knowles does this to indicates the innocence and youth of the boys, that if being in the war had such a traumatic result on Leper, that the war isn't the positive interpretations that the boys held on to. Hence, making the reader empathise for Leper, as he is young, carefree and has his whole life ahead of him, but he has been put under this unfortunate mental issue illustrated by him visualising "hallucinations". In addition, the people in this era see it as being "crazy" or not "normal".Therefore, the reader would feel sorrow as this is just Leper going to war, making them ponder, if war had such a catastrophic effect on Leper, what is  going to happen to the other boys that have to be insisted in war shortly?. As Knowles utilises Leper as a symbol of all the boys. Indicating that there is just more tragedy to come. Thus, creating a malochonic, depressing tone and a tensed and suspended atmosphere.

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Knowles presents a contrast between the rivers to represent the war.  Gene describes the naguamsett river as being ""It was ugly, saline, fringed with marsh, mud and seaweed". This the one side of the war that was supposed to be ignored and to be forgotten which relates to this river as it was never used and was forgotten. The word 'fringed' could suggest that it was scattered around just as the war was referenced to throughout the book and between the characters.The devon river is described as  "fresh-water Devon above the dam where we'd had so much fun, all the summer". this could represent the innocent side of the war representing the children as they think the war was fake. The river represents the children and the overall underlying theme of the war as the river describes the calm nature of the school compared to the war. The overall affect on the reader would be to show the contrast of the two rivers to present the theme of the war.

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HOW DOES WW2 FUNCTION IN THE NOVEL ON A SYMBOLIC AND THEMATIC LEVEL?
Knowles highlights the theme of war by presenting its effects of the summer session. A repercussion seen due to the was is the fact that Devon has 'no maids'. This highlights the fact that the war is controlling the school life at Devon; with the maids and teachers leaving the boys are left with substitute teachers and more lenient rules placed on them. The leniency shows how destruction is more free to run through the boys as there are no regulations to keep them safe. In addition, a possible reason for the leniency given by the teachers is because the boys are close to enter the violence of the war and the teachers see their youth and innocence and want to preserve the joy they feel in school. Furthermore, the safety seen in school is highlighted by the title of the book 'a separate peace'. The word 'separate' denotes individuality and 'peace' signifies safety and tranquillity. This relates to the safety of the boys as it connotes that the boys are at peace when they are away from the war and its repercussions. Displaying how the theme of war is an ongoing struggle for all people and that its destruction impacts everyone. Additionally, the following of destruction can be also viewed by the conflicts that take place with in the boys in Devon. As seen though-out the book Gene's is "jealous" of Finny's athletic ability. This represents the chaos of war as it replicates the fight or conflict that takes place during a war, and the growth and intensity of war is represented by the envy Gene develops for Finny. This further highlights the function the war has on civilians as it shows that humans look for enemies or fights in a place that do not exits. The fact that Gene who is Finny's best friends causes a conflict between the two of them displays the negative affects the war has.

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Asida - How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

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Asida - How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

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Knowles uses WW2 in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level by showing the attitude towards it. Before the accident, Finny, would always place his "contribution to the war effort" by doing things like jumping off the tree. The tree was were the boys that were insisting would jump off for training. It was symbolic of World War 2 and the impact it has on the boys, them jumping off it, them discussing about jumping off it. Furthermore, Finny wore his "pink shirt" as an emblem for the war and to represent the troops that are fighting. Playing "Blitzball" and doing many other activities all related to the war. their lives have been affected and every decision they make will be because of the war. On the contrary, after his accident, finny would refuse to believe that war was even a real thing, he claimed how's its all just "conspiracies" made up by rich fat men. After his accident he was not able to enlist and therefore Finny had stopped believing in it, this shows that youth, which is represented by Finny, want to enlist and when the ability to enlist is taken away, Finny avoids it by saying how its not real and removing himself from the ButtRoom conversations and all his friends except Gene. Knowles, uses the shirt, the tree and in all the conversations to symbolise the war and it's effects on the boys both physically and mentally.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?

Knowles uses WW2 as a background presence that is always affecting the story in both subtle and pronounced way.This is seen when the boys replicate the army training which consists of jumping of a tree demonstrating athletic ability; while doing this, finny would consider it a "contribution to the war effort".This suggests that the boys are infatuated with the war and intentionally attempting to simulate being in the army which shows how the war has infiltrated the  boys' minds as a symbol of pride and strength .The war also has a subtle effect when the boys think of a name for the sport they created, the use the name 'blitzball' drawing inspiration from the war and more specifically 'blitzkrieg' and how they also mention that they named it this due to it 'having something to do with the war'.This highlights the indirect and subtle impact the the war has on the boys making them constantly think of it even involuntarily which shows its a significant underlying theme in the novel due to its constant mentioning.Knowles uses constant repetition and motifs such as the tree jump which emphasises the effects of the war due to it being the only thing the boys can think of.

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

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How does WW2 function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level

In the novel, Knowles uses Finny's altered attitude to the war as a symbol of loss and regret. In the beginning of the novel, Finny uses his "pink shirt" as an "Emblem" to commemorate the bombing of central Europe.

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How does WWII function in the novel on a symbolic and thematic level?
Knowles explores the war through how it surrounds the boys. Finny jumps of the tree as a 'contribution to the war effort!', the tree is a key motif that repeatedly represents the summertime which connotes the carefree ignorance the boys had. The use of the exclamatory statement accentuates how joyful Finny was while contributing to the war which emphasizes his lack of knowledge about the war and thus his innocence. Knowles uses this to show how 'separate' the boys are from the war and how it affects them without them physically being there. This is further emphasized when the game, 'Blitzball' is introduced and how the boys named it as they wanted it to 'have something to do with the war.' Their games to are a key motif that is repeated to highlight their innocence as their is a war going on and yet they are just in their own 'separate peace' playing games. 'Blitzball' is the game named after war it is based around the context of war and the idea of how one man is for himself, the fact that an aspect of war has been used in the games shows the influence the war has over them, how it is always surrounding them. All of which highlights the theme of innocence vs experience. The audience is made to feel to made at ease by the playful tone.
Knowles' highlights how unreal the war is to the boys yet has a looming presence.
For example, during the winter carnival when the boys were full of enjoyment, the telegram received by Leper caused 'Finny's face to pass through all the gradations between uproariousness and shock.' The fact that it was sent by Leper who was a friend at war brings back the idea of war and also how it always surrounding them. It reinforces the reality of war and causes Finny to be shocked which shows the realization of war being real, highlighting their innocence as if to be innocent enough to think the war was a hoax. The telegram brings them back to reality and away from euphoria, underlining the theme of war. Knowles uses a shocked tone to create a tense atmosphere. Gene is brought back to reality when he realizes Leper has gone mad.' 'Psycho' had a sudden mental ward reality about it.' Gene sees firsthand the affect war has had on Leper and therefore comes to realize how the war is real. The influence of war and its underlining theme is clearly seen. The word 'mental ward' creates a fearful tone and strains the atmosphere. The real affect of war has been brought to Gene's attention. It highlights the 'coming of age' theme through his realization as how experience influences the youths of 1940s.