ASP - Ch. 13

"I never developed an intense level of hatred for the enemy ... my war ended before I ever put on a uniform; I was on active duty all my time at school; I killed my enemy there"(204).

I absolutely love this quote, because it shows the definite maturity in Gene. On the previous page, he states that he's ready for war because Finny "absorbed" the hatred in him. And I actually believe Finny absorbed it, because as Gene grew to become a better person, Finny decreased to a bitter person. Finny would not have survived in combat. Gene's biggest enemy was himself and he defeated it prior to entering the war. This is why he was on active duty at school; he had been fighting this uncontrollable and tempered side of him. And because he was so fortunate to have Finny as his best friend, he was able to be free of any hate.

Had Finny's death not occurred, would this still be the same outcome?

ASP - Ch. 12

"I ... found a blanket and gave it to Phil Latham. He carefully wrapped it around Phineas. I would have liked very much to have done that myself; it would have meant a lot to me" (179).

I think I know why wrapping the blanket around Phineas would mean so much to Gene. Wrapping a blanket around someone as injured as Finny is giving them support & comfort; something Gene is not well in accomplishing. After Finny's fatal fall, all he needed was an optimistic friend letting him know everything was going to be okay. Instead, Gene chose the wrong time to tell Finny the truth which just made the situation worse than it was. I don't think Gene understood (til now) how much of Finny's world became shattered and ultimately he was not a great friend. So wrapping this blanket around Finny would be the first time that Gene actually comforted Finny in a time of distress.

What sparked Finny's breaking point?

ASP - Ch. 12

"I ... found a blanket and gave it to Phil Latham. He carefully wrapped it around Phineas. I would have liked very much to have done that myself; it would have meant a lot to me" (179).

I think I know why wrapping the blanket around Phineas would mean so much to Gene. Wrapping a blanket around someone as injured as Finny is giving them support & comfort; something Gene is not well in accomplishing. After Finny's fatal fall, all he needed was an optimistic friend letting him know everything was going to be okay. Instead, Gene chose the wrong time to tell Finny the truth which just made the situation worse than it was. I don't think Gene understood (til now) how much of Finny's world became shattered and ultimately he was not a great friend. So wrapping this blanket around Finny would be the first time that Gene actually comforted Finny in a time of distress.

What sparked Finny's breaking point?

ASP - Ch. 11

"I felt, a sense of my own real authority and worth, I had had many new experiences and I was growing up" (156).

This right here contrasts the Gene we've known since we picked up the book. Primarily, Phineas was Gene's "authority". If Finny told Gene to jump (this can also be taken literally), Gene would ask how high. And a personality so submissive makes the reader doubt that Gene has any purpose or worth. In this quote, I believe he is finally finding himself. The fact that he concludes this by saying he was growing makes me smile. He has grown and the best part is that he knows it. Everyone encounters different situations from which they learn from and Gene is no different. Gene needed to do what he did to Finny, Quackenbush, and Leper to realize that he needed to mature. Fortunately, he is becoming a better person.

Did Leper smirk at Gene to provoke him in an attempt to seek revenge?

When Finny is explaining what happened that day, he goes from saying that Gene was not in the tree but then quickly changes his statements and telling them that Gene was in the tree with him. Why does he do this?

ASP - Ch. 10

"'He's a good boy underneath,' she must have thought, 'a terrible temper, no self-control, but he's sorry, and he is a good boy underneath" (146).

I like this quote because I think this is actually how Gene thinks of himself even though he tries to analyze his personality through the eyes of Leper's mother. It's good that he finally realizes what tragic flaws he has and this is the first time it's been mentioned. And when he apologizes, I think he's not only apologizing to Leper but also his way of saying sorry to Finny and Quackenbush. Here, this description supports what we knew all along. Gene is not a bad person but because of his impulsive actions, he is portrayed as a terrible person and friend.

Is Leper really psycho?

ASP - Ch. 9

"'only the things and the people who've been evolving the right way survive'" (125).

Leper's theory is of significance to me, because it seems like it is foreshadowing. At this point, we are not exactly certain which characters are evolving the right or the wrong way. However, I do have an idea and I think Gene is evolving the right way while Phineas is evolving the wrong way. At the beginning, it was evident that Gene was a jerk but he has grown since then and is working towards making things right between the two. On the other hand, I think this whole experience has made Finny a little bitter. We see a slight change in his usual charismatic attitude and I think it will continue to spiral downward as we read on. And we will see if he can survive or not.

Is Gene really dedicated to entering the Olympics as much as Finny?

ASP - Ch. 8

"I didn't know why he had chosen me, why it was only me that he could show the most humbling sides of his handicap" (109).

This is probably one of the few moments that I agree with Gene on this. After all that Gene has deliberately put Phineas through, I have no idea why Finny would continue being so close to Gene. However, when I look at the situation through Finny's eyes, I understand. A little earlier, Brinker offered to help Finny in the shower but he rejected and it became evident why. He is only vulnerable around Gene in his condition considering the fact that they're best friends and that is what the second part of the quote refers to. Ultimately, he refused to appear weak in front of anyone excluding Gene. I also like this quote because it exemplifies Finny's loyalty.

Did Gene tell Finny he was thinking about enlisting only to lure the present conversation to a different direction or was he actually considering it?

ASP - CH. 6

"I hit him hard across the face. I didn't know why for an instant; it was almost as though I were maimed" (79).

This quote is of interest of me because it is reminiscent of Gene's experience with causing Finny to fall. I think another theme in this book that will continue to occur is Gene and his control. (He seems to lose it sometimes). Back at the end of chapter 4 when Gene jounced the limb, the author purposely emphasized the "I, my, I". The 'my' that Gene used showed that he did not bend his knees therefore possessing no control over his impulsive actions. And the why? Gene could not answer which brings us back to this quote where Gene just punches the kid in the face and unlike he did earlier, he actually admitted that he had no idea why he did it. Not only do I think this can be seen as a theme but I believe it is foreshadowing of consequences Gene will face for his thoughtless actions.

Pgs 79-80, he justifies his choice to punch Quackenbush by saying he was defending Finny. What does he mean?

It seems like Gene is becoming more fearless ever since the accident. I'm wondering if he punched that kid because of what Finny said to him at the end of chapter 5, "You aren't going to start living by the rules, are you?" ?

ASP - CH. 5

"I cried for Phineas and for myself and for this doctor who believed in facing things. Most of all I cried because of kindness, which I had not expected" (64).

Wow, Gene is a wreck, you never know what is going on in that mind of his. It's been made pretty clear that he deliberately jounced the limb (sadly) and caused the injuries inflicted on Finny. When he states that he cried for Phineas, he was so hurt when he learned that Finny would not be able to play sports. And Gene, out of all people, knew that was the only thing Finny excelled in and he took that away from him. What stuck out to me in this quote is when he said he cried for the doctor because he believed in facing things; i think he says this because Gene knew facing Finny in his condition would be the hardest thing that he would ever have to do. And I think when he refers to kindness and not expecting it, he means when he walks into that room, he won't be expecting any kindness from Finny. He knew that he didn't deserve it and mostly he did not deserve to be Finny's friend. But he wished he did.

What was Gene trying to achieve when he made Finny fall? The way he was crying when he found out that Finny could not play sports anymore, it seemed like he was really hurt and did not expect so much injury.

In the hospital room, the author was emphasizing the way Finny was looking at Gene and it seemed that Finny knew it was Gene (not a feeling) so I want to know if Finny deliberately stared at Gene to intimidate him and make him feel bad to the point where Gene will just tell him?

The chapter ended kind of weird. First they were mad at each other but then they acted like everything was ok. Is everything ok? Will Finny just let it go and move on or will this situation cause problems in their friendship?

A Separate Peace - Chapter 4

"He minded, despised the possibility that I might be the head of the school" (52).
This quote stood out to me because it sheds light on a whole different issue in Gene and Phineas' friendship. For the first few chapters, it has been made very clear that Gene is a bit jealous of his friend's mischievous ways and as a reader, I felt kind of bad for him. Then after reading this and realizing that the feeling of envy was not only coming from one side of the relationship, I have to admit I was happy. It gives hope to a better relationship because then Gene does not have to always feel down on himself. And Gene and Finny were somehow even.

Will the two ever admit to each other how they really feel?
Will Phineas' careless attitude (especially towards school) have an effect on Gene and his schoolwork?

"A Separate Peace" - CHAPTER 3

"I always jumped. Otherwise I would have lost face with Phineas, and that would have been unthinkable.'
For me, this quote offers a different aspect of Finny and Gene's relationship through the eyes of Gene. We read and understood that Gene was a little jealous of his friend's talents. But this quote showed that Gene truly respected Finny and cared a great deal what Finny thought of him. There were certain traits Finny possessed that Gene admired and because he could never be Phineas, he did everything Finny would expect from him and more. He admired him so much that he was afraid of the fact that Finny would think of him as weak.

Question:
I wonder if Gene will ever express how he feels?
It seems as if Gene feels obliged to perform certain actions to please Finny but why? I feel like he should just be himself.

"A Separate Peace" CHAPTER 2

"This time he wasn't going to get away with it. I could feel myself unexpectedly excited at that" (27).
Here, Gene comments on Finny when he gets caught with the Devon School Tie on his belt and Gene believes that Phineas will not get away with this as he usually does. He didnt see any possible way for Finny to smooth talk his way out of trouble and it made Gene unwillingly happy. This quote is of significance because it ties into the theme of "envy", specifically Gene's envious emotions towards Finny. Earlier in the chapter, Gene reluctantly admitted to being just a little bit jealous of his best friend, Phineas and because he felt Finny would not avoid facing consequences, he was too excited to feel jealous. However, just because he wasn't feeling that way in that particular moment in time; it did not mean his feelings of envy disintegrated. I think this can possibly be seen as foreshadowing of a drastic change within Gene & Finny's relatiionship. After all, envy is on the seven deadly sins.

Questions:
He used a tie as a belt. Ok ? Whats the big deal?

CORRUPTIVE NATURE OF POWER

PROMPT: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Describe the downfall of Creon in “Antigone” in relation to how we see him in “Oedipus.” What sparks this change? What do you see as the turning point for Creon’s downfall? Describe the different ways Sophocles shows the corrupting force of power.

THE CORRUPTIVE FORCE OF POWER

Power is an element that many people yearn for, unaware of its damaging effects. People in a hierarchy often defy anything they feel is beneath them and are blinded by the great things power has to offer. After all, being in such a prominent position is a wonderful feeling. One who reigns has the ability to alter anything or everything, they make the final decision and ultimately they possess total control. After reading Sophocles’ works, I realized that the concept of power was a major theme throughout the text and he condemns the topic as corruptive. In “Oedipus, the King”, Oedipus chose to abuse his deserved role as kingship which lead to abominable exposure as well as his sons’ death because of the desire for power. Although these are satisfying examples, one character displays power to be the ultimate poison. Oedipus’ brother, Creon, was portrayed as wise and obedient in the beginning but as we read on, we notice a drastic change in his personality. After examination, power is corruptive because of its radical effect on one’s judgment and persona.

Sophocles describes the corrupting force of power in numerous ways, yet he manages to construct a connection. In the introduction of “Oedipus the King”, Oedipus was considered savior of Thebes and was highly respected. However, instead of remaining humble, he takes advantage of the citizens’ submissiveness. “those who disobey/I’ll ask the Gods to curse/with fields that never sprout/and wombs that never flower/And all the horrors of this present plague and worse.” (16). He threatens the citizens unless they agree to tell him who killed Laius, but he is unaware of the fact that it was all his doing. His ignorance supports the claim of how power can blind a person. When he could finally see, it was too late and he met his fated death. Oedipus’ sons experience with power was rather different. Out of desire for power, Polyneices fought until he and his brother died. “greed of gain has often made men fools.” (200). Creon said this a little after the men’s deaths and it essentially labeled Polyneices and Eteocles as fools. They were fighting because greed took the best of them and ultimately they paid the price with their lives. These accounts portray power to be unpleasant, however, Creon’s encounter with sovereignty proves to be much more dreadful. Creon ends up being similar to his arrogant brother Oedipus in copious ways but he was not always that way.

Throughout the text, Oedipus appeared to be a coarse ruler and his brother-in-law, Creon, was present to serve as an opposing character. After being wrongfully accused of murder, Creon approached his brother with the utmost respect. “If he thinks ... that any word or act of mine/was ever done in malice, done to harm, I’d rather end my life than live so wronged.” (28). Oedipus continued to pounce on Creon with insults and malicious comments but Creon remained serene as he attempted to reason with him. Creon seemed to be rather hurt than bitter. Unlike Oedipus, he never let his anger overpower him. Even when he strived to offer great counsel, Oedipus refused to listen. “If you really think a stubborn mind is something to be proud of, you’re not thinking straight.” (30). Oedipus was irritated by Creon’s insightful advice and he only wished to put Creon to death. “The kind of man who always thinks that he is right,/that his opinions, his pronouncements,/are the final word,/is usually exposed as hollow as they come.” (222). The tables turned and when Oedipus was exposed to who he actually was, it drove him to his knees begging his brother to take his life. Creon’s reaction to Oedipus’ plea illustrates his loyalty and obedience. “it’s best to ask the god again what should be done.” (77). He was extremely rational but when he was granted a special opportunity, everything changed.

After the death of Oedipus and his sons, naturally, Creon was appointed King of Thebes and he wasted no time in enforcing strict laws under his jurisdiction. The first edict he sent out was the denial of a burial for Polyneices since he fought against his own city. Then he learned from a Sentry that someone prepared a burial for Polyneices despite Creon’s law which forbade it. He immediately accused the Sentry of disobedience out of greed for money and threatened to hang him unless he told him who performed the burial. After learning it was his own niece, Antigone, it did not change his attitude at all. The thought of someone attempting to challenge him as King infuriated him and he was prepared to condemn Antigone to death regardless of the fact that she was his family. This marked the first indication of how Creon was beginning to change. She expressed nothing but anger towards Creon and he only felt she was inferior. “No woman while I live shall govern me.” (214). He was intimidated by Antigone’s fearlessness and he expressed much hate towards her. He was so disgusted by her that he referred to her as a “creature” and just like he stated he would, he placed her in a tomb. The sapient man Creon used to be vanished and an absolute different aspect of his personality was revealed. “Naturally, there is no way/to tell the character and mettle of a man/until you’ve seen him govern.”(198). With the characteristics of Creon reversed, his son, Haemon, who was also Antigone’s husband, took the role of the old Creon. However, he was not very successful in convincing his father otherwise. People who gain power often develop a big ego. It took two more people to change Creon’s mind and when he finally realized that he was wrong, it was too late. Antigone hung herself and when Creon entered the room, he saw Haemon with a dagger in his hand. Haemon plunged forward attempting to kill his father, but he missed and killed himself instead. When Creon’s wife, Eurydice, heard of this she stabbed herself in the heart because she was so heartbroken. This left Creon with a massive burden of guilt that he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

Though power is a rank that attracts many it can be extremely corruptive. It may seem that one who is in power has ultimate control but power can cloud one’s mind to the point of destruction. We viewed how power took a toll on Oedipus, Polyneices, Eteocles, and Creon. Specifically, Creon’s encounter with power and how he immediately took advantage of it. The way he faced destruction was ironic because sovereignty caused him to be the exact man he vowed never to be. However, he was not entirely at fault. He was only doing what he felt the city needed. He had the city’s best interest at heart but this does not change the fact that power’s corruptive nature can have a radical effect on one’s judgment and persona.

Quote on Fate - 1O.23

"Man cannot flatter Fate, And Punishments must come." - Leader (251)

I specifically chose this quote as significant, because it sheds light on the aspect that we have touched base on as a class frequently: fate. Throughout the course of reading the text, it became evident that the events were fated to happen. And this quote excels at supporting this claim, especially the first part. The Leader is explaining that once fate is set, there is no escaping or avoiding it. No human can please or gratify fate where it can just simply disintegrate. The last part of the quote is saying that because fate is inevitable, the consequences of our definite actions must occur. This quote not only exhibits the existence of fate but portrays Creon to be pretty much the ultimate representation of Oedipus. He shares much of the same dreadful qualities that may even lead to Creon's fated death. Who Knows?

On p.244, The Messenger says Haemon was driven suicide by his father's murdering. I don't remember Creon murdering anyone? Is he referring to the fact that Creon put Antigone to death so she killed herself?

I wonder if Tiresias knew from the beginning what was going to happen to Creon and his family?

Significant Quote - 1O.21

“I did it too. If she’ll allow my claim. I share with her the credit and the blame.” – Ismene (214)

After discovering what Antigone did, Creon becomes enraged and he immediately accuses Ismene as her accomplice. When he asks Ismene, she simply states that she took part in the burial. Although, it is evident that she had nothing to do with it. This statement was of significance because it reveals a very loyal side to her personality. She is willing to die with her sister because she feels she is nothing without her. However, I believe she is only doing this because she feels obliged. She was so averse earlier when her sister asked for assistance but was not successful in preventing it from happening. “all my protests were of no avail.” (216). She almost feels like it’s her fault, like she should have done more to stop Antigone and now that Antigone is being condemned to death, she feels that she deserves it just as much.

Creon’s personality reminds me so much of Oedipus, he is accusing the wrong people. Why would he even think Ismene took part in the crime when the Serpent only witnessed Antigone?

Is it that serious? Why does he hate Antigone so much? It is almost as if he were threatened by her as a woman.

Earlier in the text, we read Creon’s description of the corruption of money and power. Then on page 221, he refers to ‘anarchy’ as a curse. Is this another sign of foreshadowing?

Is he taunting them? He obviously knows Ismene did not do it but locks her up anyway.