Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Mater Dei High School English 1

Summer Reading assignment
Directions: Identify six quotes from the novel, A Separate Peace, that demonstrate a change in the main character,
Gene. Please remember that a quote does not have to be dialogue. Then, you will provide an explanation about the
quote and the change in Gene it illustrates. Type your responses and be prepared to turn them in on the first day of
school. You should expect to be tested on the novel during the first week of school.
Find 2 quotes
from each part of
the novel

Beginning

Middle

Words from the text (a concrete detail) that

demonstrates a change in Gene
include page #

Explain the change in the Gene the quote

illustrates

1) I shouldve told him then that he was my

best friend also I nearly did but
something held me back.

1) Gene doesn't think Finny is his best

friend anymore.

2) You did hate him for breaking that

swimming record.

2) Gene is starting to develop jealousy for

Finny.

1) I took a step toward him and then my

knees bent and I jostle the limb. Finny his
balance gone, and then he tumbled
sideways I moved out on the limb
and jumped into the river.

1) Gene is starting to become fearless

because he jumped off the branch without
hesitation.

2) Gene is starting to lie to make it up to

2) I think I better get to the station Im
Finny.
already a day late at Devin. - Gene
You arrant going to start living by the rules,
Are you? - Finny
I grinned at him , oh no I wouldnt. - Gene

End

1) I dont recall anything like that

1) Gene lies to Finny about falling out of

the tree

2) Im sorry, I said blindly, Im sorry,

Im sorry.

2) Gene regrets all the bad things he

inflicted on Finny, and he apologizes for
them.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Be prepared to share your responses and support them
with evidence from the text.
1. What do you think the reader is supposed to learn from Genes changes throughout the novel?
The reader is suppose to learn that all of your actions in life have consequences. For every action there is an
opposite reaction.

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2. Gene changes throughout the novel. These changes make him a dynamic character. Do you think Finny also
changes?
orthe
why
not? Explain.
3.
Did youWhy
enjoy
novel?
No and Yes, because Finny did not become jealous of Gene and he didn't make bad choices. Also he didn't
No, I didn't find the book very interesting because it had boring and slow parts in the book and I like more
become
any smarter in academics but he did lose his ability in sports.
action.
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