1.) Explore the dynamics and undertones of Finny and Gene’s first conversations upon his return. Does it feel “realistic” to you? Why or why not?
The conversation Finny has with Gene on his immediate return to Devon tells a lot about the underlying emotions of each of the characters. Finny acts really excited to be back, as is evident in his conversations. He sets about poking fun at Gene, whether it be his clothes or the sheets. Gene on the other hand, does not seem so excited for Finny's return. "Until now, in spite of everything, I had welcomed each new day as though it were a new life, where all past failures and problems were erased, and all future possibilities and joys open and available, to be achieved probably before night fell again." (Knowles 105). This is Genes mindset while Finny is gone. He's independent, and ready to take on anything. But after Finny's return "Now, in this winter of snow and crutches with Phineas, I began to know that each morning reasserted the problems of the night before," (Knowles 105-106). This shows that Gene was doing fine without Finny, and return could bring back some of the problems that drove him to Push Phineas off the tree.
I totally agree with Max about Finny's return. It was clear that Gene was making new friends like Brinker and Leper, and Finny brought back bad memories that had threatened their relationship in the past. In a way the 'accident", made Gene realize what had pushed him to jounce the limb. Making him more independent and stronger. I think that Max could have maybe added what he thought would happen in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think that both Victor and Max are entirely correct. Gene was doing fine, if not better without Finny, and Finny's return did nothing to help Gene's mental state. He was becoming his own person, and really thinking about who he is and why he thinks the way he does. When Finny came, it erased all the work he had been doing, and all his work was abolished. For his ten steps forward, he went twelve back. He's ended up exactly where he was before.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone. I would also add that since Gene has told Brinker and the butt room crew of his "joke" about harming Finny. By bringing Finny into this relationship he would be risking Brinker telling Finny all about his plans. This would undoubtedly ruin there friendship. I also think that Gene has somehow crept back into Finny's "shadow". This has also lost his reputation of the "big star" to becoming the sheep he always used to be.
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