1.) Explore the significance/symbolism of the Nagaumsett. (You may have to refer to earlier readings to supplement your answer).
The significance of the Nagaumsett river is very subtle but quite defined. On page 86 Knowles says "I had never been in it before; it seemed appropriate that my baptism there had taken place on the first day of this winter session". This quote shows us that the first days of school without Finny will change Gene forever. This suggestion of "baptism" is a large contrast to the description of the Nagaumsett. Unlike the Devon river, The Nagaumsett required you to shower after going in it. This represents, to the responder, that Gene's purity and innocence is lost after Finny's tragic event. This is shown through the inpurity of the water. This theme is actually explained on the back of the book. It states that the incident "Banishes the innocence of these boys and there world". This now proves that Gene and his time at Devon will never be the same.
The significance of the Nagaumsett river is very subtle but quite defined. On page 86 Knowles says "I had never been in it before; it seemed appropriate that my baptism there had taken place on the first day of this winter session". This quote shows us that the first days of school without Finny will change Gene forever. This suggestion of "baptism" is a large contrast to the description of the Nagaumsett. Unlike the Devon river, The Nagaumsett required you to shower after going in it. This represents, to the responder, that Gene's purity and innocence is lost after Finny's tragic event. This is shown through the inpurity of the water. This theme is actually explained on the back of the book. It states that the incident "Banishes the innocence of these boys and there world". This now proves that Gene and his time at Devon will never be the same.
I agree with most of the statements made in this post. The Nagaumsett definitely represents Gene's lost innocence, but has other large themes as well. Gene explains how the Devon really expresses the care free summer months, whether as the Nagaumsett represent the winter session. The Devon is clean, cool, clear and fun to be in. The Nagaumsett on the other hand, is dirty, murky, and a pain to fall into. This tells us much about Gene's outlook on life at the Devon school.
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