In the novel A Separate Peace the friendship of Finny and Gene is very similar to that of any organization. First it should be made known that most organizations are a way of fitting in with people of similar interests, views, or goals. Most organization, no matter how democratic, will always have some kind of leader over the rest. In instances of many leaders one will always be above the rest. These leaders will have more power, influence, and respect then the others. No matter how erratic their decisions are, their are always people that will follow or risk of being different, ultimately not fitting in.
The fear of loneliness or rejection will always clump together the masses. Organizations are a way of showing or pretending to be like others as an effort to fit in or risk being one’s true self for fearing to be rejected by society. In the novel A Separate Peace Finny and Gene’s relationship shows most if not all the signs of a organization. Finny seems as in control as any leader would be in a organization. He even takes the first step of starting it by saying, “He and Gene are best of friends now. ” This statement confirms that he initiated the friendship.
As a normal person Gene was sure at first if he would accept Finny’s friendship, but after evaluating he’s benefits as part of the population he accepts the friendship. Gene seemed to have tested Finny’s qualities before offering his friendship to see if Finny was good enough by seeing if he was willing to jump from a tree. This would show Finny if he was willing to trust him and if he would do things that Finny wanted him to. The tree jumping would also prove to be the joining procedure to the Summer Suicide Society they would later create and head.
After the offer for friendship by Finny, Finny and Gene got involved in a wrestling match with each other. This like many organizations is like rough housing to show belonging or just affection. Another sign of their group would be the pajamas that Gene decides to wear because Finny does. This was again something Gene hesitates to do, but does as a way of showing belonging. This symbolizes to them and the population similar physical attributes that show their circle. The police are a way of comparing their organization or that of the Gene and Finny’s.
First off their is a way of joining the police. Their is much training involved both physical and mental. They are trained to shoot when they have to and do it without hesitation, very much like Finny does things that Gene want’s him to do. Physically they will gain a higher level of conditioning to gain respect and to do their job. The beginners in each organization will be frowned upon until their respect is earned much like how Finny tested Gene with the tree. After the respect is earned more privileged things are gained through the circle.
They also wear uniforms as a way to show the world that they are alike similar to Finny and Gene wearing the pajamas. The rookies of the police will in hopes work their way to a prominent rank in order to seem more important then the rest. Gene seemed to be on the receiving end of the relationship until they decide to open their group to the others. When that occurred, Gene seem much more confident in this thought patterns. Organization such as the police and that of Gene and Finny’s aren’t bad, but a way that shows the characters of the person in control.
Many organizations will do good while others do bad. It all depends on the ruler and more importantly the ruled. If the ruled is willing and weak they will follow the ruler at all costs. If they are strong they will replace the ruler with another in hopes of creating a better organization. So from an objective point of view an organization is similar to an living being capable of doing and accomplishing the accomplishable, but has also the capability of destroying the destructible. It is in the hands of the organization to decide the path it chooses.
