Outsiders in A Separate Peace Essay Example

Outsiders in A Separate Peace Essay An outsider is a person who does not belong or fit in. An outsider may have the traits of â€Å"strange† or â€Å"unusual†. A Greek poet, Sophocles, states that, â€Å"We will never reach a full realization of who we are as individuals until we find another human being with whom we can share ourselves.† The book â€Å"A Separate Peace† demonstrates this quote through the actions of Gene and Finny. As the book progresses Gene starts having feelings of jealousy, admiration, and resentment toward Finny, especially Finny’s attitude. Gene’s jealousy and self loathing sparks a conflict, that is sooner or later going to be resolved. We soon realize that maybe we get caught up in being jealous over other people because we aren’t like them or do things like them. This realization in the book later sparks an idea to the readers that the world is filled with different people and we shouldn’t judge or be jealous over people because we aren’t them. Society needs to embrace their talents, unique ways and strengths. I feel that people shouldn’t worry about what everyone thinks of them or whether or not they fit in. We will write a custom essay sample on Outsiders in A Separate Peace specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Outsiders in A Separate Peace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Outsiders in A Separate Peace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer As one progresses deeper in the book, evidence shows Gene’s jealousy, admiration and resentment are escalating into something much bigger than himself. Deep down, he starts to realize how jealous he was from the start, but brushes this realization to the side which leaves him in denial. â€Å"He had never been jealous of me for a second. Now I knew that there never was and never could have been any rivalry between us. I was not of the same quality as he. I couldnt stand this.†(51) â€Å"Holding firmly to the trunk, I took a step toward him, and then my knees bent and I jounced the limb.† (52) The act of bouncing the limb was a combination of the jealousy, hatred and animosity that Gene was feeling. He couldnt bear the fact that Finny was better than him and there was nothing he could do about it. Gene realizes that Finny never