In John Knowles novel, A Separate Peace, he reveals a theme of jealousy among the characters. Gene is jealous of Finny, because Gene wants to be as successful as Finny in athletics. Finny is jealous of Gene, because Finny wants to be as successful as Gene academically. Gene puts on Finny’s clothes just so he can feel like he is Finny. For example, “I decided to put on his clothes. ” Gene wants to be just like Finny in almost all ways. Gene wants to be noticed. Gene wants to be a stud athlete, while he keeps his grades up and becomes valedictorian. Finny wants to be just like Gene academically. Even though the book never specifically says Finny is jealous of Gene academically, the book does say that Finny begins to study more. For example,”The new attacks of studying were his emergency measures to save himself.” Finny knew that Gene was trying to be the valedictorian of the school, and Finny felt that as a threat to him. This theme of jealousy between Finny and Gene makes a rivalry between each other. Gene wanted to beat Finny academically, and Finny wanted to beat Gene in athletics. As this rivalry becomes more relevant, Finny starts to study, because he feels threatened by Gene. The theme of jealousy is everywhere throughout this novel. It is very relevant between Finny and Gene.