Summer vs. Winter
Sessions of A
Separate Peace
By: Shayne Altizer & Joey
Niedziejko
VS.
Thesis Statement
The Winter and Summer Sessions
symbolize the change from childhood to
the adulthood; Knowles shows this
change in the kids’ evolving outlook on
the war and Gene and Phineas’
developing feud.
Kids’ Outlook on The War
Summer Session
 “When they torpedo the
troopship,” He shouted,” you
cant stand around admiring
the view. Jump!”
 “do you really think that the
United States of America is in
a state of war with Nazi
Germany and Imperial
Japan?”
 These quotes shows that, to
the kids, the war is a distant
and almost laughable thing.
Winter Session
 “Left out! He and his crowd
are responsible for it! And
we’re going to fight it!”
 This quote shows that the war
has become a more serious
and distressing thing to the
kids.
Gene and Phineas’
Friendship
Summer Session
Winter Session
 “…best pal.” he hesitated and
them added,” which is what
you are.”
 “I found it. I found a single
sustaining thought. The
thought was, You and
Phineas are even already
 These quotes show that
Phineas thinks of Gene as his
best friend but Gene has
conflicting feels about their
friendship.
 “You want to break something
else in me! Is the why you’re
here!”
 This quote shows that
Phineas now understands
how Gene felt and now has
conflicting feelings against
Gene
In Conclusion…
The Winter and Summer Sessions
symbolize the change from childhood to
adulthood and Knowles expresses this
change in the kids’ changing outlook on
the war and Gene and Phineas’ decaying
friendship.