The process of maturing encompasses physical and mental growth, a universal experience rooted in the story of Adam and Eve. As we develop, our perspective on life expands and we confront harsh realities. Similar to a child learning to ride a bike without training wheels, we must all bid farewell to the security of childhood and welcome adulthood.
During the transition from adolescence to adulthood, individuals typically shed their innocence and certain purities. This development often occurs as a result of a traumatizing event, sudden shock, or negative outcome. Once one has fully matured, they can begin to make intelligent decisions independently, learn from their experiences, achieve success autonomously, and embrace their new perspective on life. In the novel “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles, the protagonist Gene Forrester undergoes a transformation from an innocent teenager to a knowledgeable adult.
Gene matures and gains wisdom as he realizes that every aspect of his life undergoes change. He experiences personal growth when he acknowledges the transformation of the physical world. It takes him fifteen years after the tragic death of his close friend Finny to come back to his alma mater, Devon, which evokes intense emotions. Arriving at the old high school, Gene is filled with anticipation to locate a particular tree. He walks across the expansive fields until he reaches the woods, where he carefully examines the leaves and branches. His astonishment is apparent when he encounters a collection of trees arranged uniformly yet scattered.
Fifteen years ago, Gene came across a tree that stood out as a massive figure compared to the other trees. Now, he continues his search among the trees, carefully examining each one, studying their trunks. Eventually, he discovers the specific tree he has been looking for; it is marked by numerous small scars running along its trunk. In that moment, Gene realizes that this is the very tree he had sought and it strikes him as reminiscent of the men who seemed like giants during his childhood. However, as time has passed, Gene observes that these men are not just relatively smaller compared to his own growth, but they have actually diminished in size due to aging.
According to Knowles (6), the old giants have turned into pigmies while you were distracted. The fact that Gene recognizes that a certain tree, which seemed huge as a teenager, now appears smaller as an adult, indicates personal growth. Gene’s realization that the tree is no longer as scary or threatening implies that he has learned that the world will constantly change and become less intimidating. It is through these realizations that Gene evolves by observing the transformation of the physical world.
During Gene’s emotional visit to his old school after a long time, he notices the significant changes in the real world. He observes that compared to fifteen years ago when he was a student there, the school now appears quite different and more modern. Taking a leisurely stroll around the premises, Gene observes all the modifications that have been implemented since his time as a student. Notably, he discovers improved desks and a newly constructed wing for the Dean’s residence.
Gene is frightened by these changes and starts to question the idea that everything at Devon gradually changes and aligns with what has already occurred. Therefore, it is reasonable for him to hope that since the buildings, the Deans, and the curriculum have been able to achieve this, he too can achieve personal growth and harmony, perhaps without even realizing it. The changes happening within the school cause Gene to feel unsettled because he has been oblivious to the changes that have taken place within himself.
Gene witnesses the physical changes happening in the school, which makes him realize that he too may have experienced growth and transformation. This realization goes beyond just the material world as Gene also realizes that his mental state has changed. The death of Gene’s close friend and companion, Finny, further impacts his perspective and worldview. Reflecting on their time together, Gene appreciates the life lessons that Finny taught him, not limited to sports or enjoyment but also about living with innocence, tranquility, and peace.
Finny has taught Gene to see the world with a clearer perspective. Gene realizes that he doesn’t have to accept all of the world’s realities at once. He understands that when people start to feel the overwhelming hostility of the world, their true character changes. This realization comes after losing Finny, allowing Gene to view the world and his own life from a more objective standpoint.
Gene is realizing that while others perceive an unfriendly force in the world, it might only be a trick of the mind that permanently alters them. His mental state undergoes a transformation as he starts to view life from a mature perspective, highlighting the development of his character. Additionally, as Gene nears the end of his high school years and contemplates war, his friends, and his past experiences, his mental state continues to evolve.
Gene recalls how Finny used to mock the war, claiming it was a prank orchestrated by overweight, foolish elderly individuals hidden in the background. Others believed it was a means for the old men to reminisce about their past glories. However, as Gene reflects on these notions, he suspects they are merely employed to provide reassurance. He continues contemplating the concept of war and eventually comprehends that “wars were not caused by specific generations and their particular foolishness, but rather by a lack of knowledge within the human heart” (Knowles 193).
Gene is starting to understand that enemies may not actually be enemies for valid reasons, but rather because people intentionally look for enemies. This profound contemplation indicates a growth in Gene’s perspective and comprehension, as he begins to perceive things in a more multi-dimensional way rather than simplistically. As a result, his mindset shifts and he no longer views others solely as adversaries. Hence, Gene transitions from being a naive adolescent to becoming a discerning adult due to transformative experiences.
