Will Mann Assignment #6 Question #1

1.) Explore the significance/symbolism of the Nagaumsett. (You may have to refer to earlier readings to supplement your answer).

In Chapter 6, Gene reminesces about the Devon River and it's significance to the summer session and Finny's hopes and dreams. We, as the reader, also hear a large amount about this river in the early chapters. However, we do not find out about a second river, called the Naguamsett, until Chapter 6. This river is murky, salty, and in general, a terrible place to swim or "train for the military". On the topic of how Devon is related to these to rivers, Gene states, "The Devon School was astride by these two rivers" (Knowles 76). These two rivers obviously represent the two sessions at the school, as the school is divided between them. During the summer session, Gene is obliviously living in Finny's shadow, and fails to notice the dark and murky side of Devon. However, now that Finny is no longer present and the rules are much more uptight, Gene remembers the shady and terrible side of the school, and fights to remember the precious summer session.