Question: The novel opens up with present day Gene (1958ish) narrating his return to Devon 15 years after he graduates (until the middle of page 14). Why does John Knowles begin the novel this way? What is the purpose? What is the effect?
John Knowles starts the novel with this form of literal opening because it sets an eerie and reflective tone for the entire book. He uses the present day form of the main character, Gene, as a foreshadowing image and a final product, or destination, for the high school version of Gene. The present day Gene is portrayed by Knowles as a thinking man, giving the reader a major clue as to the events of Gene's high school days. The purpose of this setting is to give the readers a base idea in the back of their heads that they can relate to the text later on in the story. If the audience can relate to the text, then they feel connected to the book, and generally enjoy it more. The effect of this setting is that the reader will think more about the choices Gene makes in the later text, or in high school. Knowledge is wealth, and since the reader will know how Gene turns out in the end, they will understand the novel more. These reasons are why John Knowles chose to show the audience the finished product before the work in progress in his novel, A Seperate Peace.
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