Hate/Love 

Throughout this novel you see a hate and love relationship between Gene and Finny. Gene hated that Finny was better than him, but he also displayed love to him by helping him whenever he was crippled and needed help.

Peace/Violence

In this novel, the symbol of the tree reveals peace and violence. The tree is where Gene intentionally tried to kill, or injure, Finny. The tree is also the place where Gene goes to find his ” separate peace.”

Power/Submission

Throughout the plot of this novel, you see the theme of power and submission come into play, but the theme is backwards. The power is the students of Devon, while the teachers submit to them. For example, Finny and Gene went to the beach and stayed the night there. This was against the rules, and when the headmaster came to confront them about it, Finny talks to hi and they don’t get in trouble.

Honesty/Deceit

In this novel, honesty and deceit is relevant. The honesty is more relevant with Finny than with Gene. Gene is the more deceitful person. Finny comes out and tells Gene that he needs him. Finny finds stability in Gene and he tells Gene that also. Gene keeps secrets away from Finny. Gene did not want Finny to know that he made him fall, but if it wasn’t for his guilt, he would’ve never told him.

Isolation/Acceptance

Leper is the prime example of isolation. He always felt left out. He was an outcast, and his name even symbolizes him as an outcast. Leper was never really ask to come and do things with the group. That’s why he went off to the army early, because he wanted to be accepted into a group. Leper also wanted to be accepted. He went off to the army thinking he was going to be in a “brotherhood”, but he still felt isolated. In my opinion, him being isolated all his life is what drove him into a nut case.