Study Guide for A Separate Peace

What is Gene's primary reason for not admitting to Finny that he wants to be valedictorian?

• He is not interested in academics.

• He does not want to upset Finny.

• He wants to keep it a secret.

• He does not actually want to be valedictorian.

What realization does Gene come to about the rivalry between him and Finny?

• It was one-sided, with Finny being the only rival.

• It was imagined by Gene and not real.

• It was equally present on both sides.

• It was encouraged by their teachers.

Which literary device is used to contrast the summer days and the darkness of Gene's heart?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Personification

• Symbolism

How does Gene feel when he wears Finny's clothes at the infirmary?

• Uncomfortable and guilty

• Happy and proud

• Confused and lost

• Indifferent and detached

What is the significance of the two rivers, Devon and Nagumsett, in the story?

• They represent peace and war.

• They symbolize the dual nature of characters.

• They are just geographical features.

• They signify the past and future.

How is Devon School described in relation to its setting in Exeter?

• As the least impressive school in Exeter.

• As a modern educational institution.

• As the most beautiful in a beautiful county.

• As an old and decrepit building.

What does Gene try to do in his relationship with Finny in the story?

• Gene tries to become closer to Finny by joining more sports.

• Gene tries to distance himself from Finny by distancing himself from sports.

• Gene tries to outperform Finny in academics.

• Gene tries to sabotage Finny's sports career.