A separate peace vs. Bless the Beasts and Children


What role does Competition play in each novel?

Competition is a significant factor to the outcome and plot of each novel. In both books the
strong and competitive are the victorious and triumphant, as well. Competition influences what the
characters say, feel and do.
In “A Separate Peace” Gene feels a immense amount of competitive pressure to be equal to
Finny. Competition is what drives him. Finny has natural athletic abilities as well as charisma, grace and
appeal. Gene is a decent athlete but is an outstanding academic scholar. He feels since Finny is the
best at sports. To stay equal to Finny, Gene must be the best student. Gene is extremely jealous of
Finny and realizes that he cannot measure up to Finny’s charm and athleticness. This leads to Gene
turning his best friend into his enemy and rival. Finny does not hold the same competitiveness and
jealousy with Gene as Gene does with Finny. He never thinks of their relationship as a competiti...