Assignment 7 (pages 102-122): 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 first conversations between Gene and Finny after Finny's return are awkward for Gene but offer a return to normalcy for Finny. The scene that most helped to draw this conclusion was on pages 106 and 107, when Brinker brings up the subject of enlisting in the army. Gene is forced to lie his way around this predicament, and this scene is when it becomes clear to the reader that while Finny has been isolated, Gene has kept living his life, to the point where Finny is struggling to catch up with the happenings at the school. "'Enlist!' cried Finny at the same time. His large and clear eyes turned with an odd expression on me. 'You're going to enlist?'" (Knowles 107). This is when Finny realizes that Gene has moved on, has created a life that doesn't have Finny playing a lead role in it. The stage directions and narrative add a sad manner to the story. This is a depressing part of the book, but leads to one where Finny decides to live his life through Gene. Do you think that Finny has accepted the fact that Gene has moved on? Do you think Finny will attempt to do the same?