Assignment #2 (21-40 break): Once the story shifts to the summer of 1942, Gene begins his narrative about his summer, the war, the school, his friendships, and most specifically, his relationship with Finny. Provide three specific examples of characterization about Finny, most specifically what kind of person he is and how do you know this.

            According to Gene, Finny is ‘the perfect kid.’ In his small boarding school, Finny is considered the “top dog” and the most popular. Finny, “had been the best athlete in the school” (Knowles 16), and was particularly charming. He could, “get away with anything” (Knowles 25). During the substitute head master’s tea party, Finny was caught wearing his tie informally, but he was able to use his social skills to extricate himself from the punishable offense. A daring teenager, Finny was not afraid to jump out an exceedingly tall tree into the lake below. This potentially dangerous act did not deter Finny; instead, this challenge motivated him even more. Finny was not one to worry about what other students thought of him. While getting dressed for the head master’s party, Finny decided to wear a pink shirt. This was an unusual color among the boys at the Devon school. No one, however, though to tease him since he was well liked in the group. As Gene stated, “No one else in the school could have [worn a pink shirt] without some risk of having it torn from his back” (Knowles 25). With a friend like this, it must be hard for Gene to live in his shadow. How can Gene be a supportive friend without letting jealousy get the better of him?