A Separate Peace

Showered, dressed, and returned to his dorm room, Gene considers his discussion with Finny about sports as he waits for it to be time to go to his afternoon class. Brinker Hadley stops by. Brinker is a popular boy who looks like an athlete but prefers politics to sports. Jovially, Brinker points out that Gene must have some kind of clout to have such a large room to himself. He adds jokingly that Gene must have known that Finny would not return for the winter and chosen him for his roommate for that reason. Taken aback, Gene suggests that they go down to the Butt Room for a cigarette. In the smoking area, Brinker continues his playful accusations, suggesting that Gene attempted to murder Finny. Annoyed, Gene blows up at Brinker, but when the boys in the room become quiet, he plays along.

Gene recounts his crime sarcastically, claiming to have blackmailed Finny’s parents and “made love to his sister in Mr. Ludbury’s study” (87), but falters, unable to say that he pushed Finny out of the tree. When another boy suggests it, Gene denies the accusation, suddenly excusing himself from the room.