A Separate Peace - Pre-reading Ch. 2

Before you read:

Consider this passage, which Gene says about Phineas, “He had gotten away with everything. I felt a sudden stab of disappointment.”

·  Have you ever felt this way about a friend?

·  What does this quote tell us about Gene’s character?

While you read:

Pay attention to

·  Gene’s description of Phineas (both his physical appearance and his personality).

·  Your opinion of both Gene and Phineas.

·  Phineas’ attitude towards authority.

Discussion Questions:

·  How is Finny unlike a typical student? What special traits does he seem to possess?

·  What is the point of Finny’s rebellion? Why does he break the rules?

·  How do the events in this chapter fit the theme of innocence vs. experience (childhood vs. adulthood)?

·  What does Finny’s attitude towards the bombings of central Europe show about his character?

Vocabulary:

·  Eloquence

·  Chronic

·  Commendable

·  Indulgent

·  Emblem

·  Inane

A Separate Peace - Pre-reading Ch. 2

Before you read:

Consider this passage, which Gene says about Phineas, “He had gotten away with everything. I felt a sudden stab of disappointment.”

·  Have you ever felt this way about a friend?

·  What does this quote tell us about Gene’s character?

While you read:

Pay attention to

·  Gene’s description of Phineas (both his physical appearance and his personality).

·  Your opinion of both Gene and Phineas.

·  Phineas’ attitude towards authority.

Discussion Questions:

·  How is Finny unlike a typical student? What special traits does he seem to possess?

·  What is the point of Finny’s rebellion? Why does he break the rules?

·  How do the events in this chapter fit the theme of innocence vs. experience (childhood vs. adulthood)?

·  What does Finny’s attitude towards the bombings of central Europe show about his character?

Vocabulary:

·  Eloquence

·  Chronic

·  Commendable

·  Indulgent

·  Emblem

·  Inane