Guilt is the emotion that one perceives after committing a wrong doing, and is one of the major themes in A Separate Peace. Guilt is one of the many attributes all human beings have, and is characterized as one of the most hurtful. Everyone feels guilt after achieving lower expectations, as it is a reminder that you have fallen short of perfection. Guilt is also recognized as a feeling that can make someone full of sorrow. This type of guilt is seen many times in A Separate Peace. One example is when Gene tries on Finny’s clothes. “I was Phineas, Phineas to the life. I even had his humorous expression in my face, his sharp, optimistic awareness. I had no idea why this gave me such intense relief, but it seemed standing there in Finny’s triumphant shirt, that I would never stumble through the confusions of my own character” (Knowles 62). The quote is significant because it helps Gene overcome his guilt by stepping into Finny’s shoes. Guilt can also be bottled up, but only for a certain amount of time, as it can eat a person away.
Guilty is knowing you have done something wrong, and having a responsibility in it. As humans we all experience guilt, Gene’s guilt for knowing that he harmed Phineas makes him want to tell Phineas the truth,” This is the worst thing in the world, and I’m sorry and I hate to tell you but I’ve got to tell you” (Knowles 67). Gene thinks that confessing to Phineas that he jounced the branch will take him out of “this pool of guilt” (Knowles 66), but it only deepens the injury.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Vaniyac and Chloe, that guilt is indeed a terrible emotion that all human beings must face on numerous occasions, however I do not believe it should constantly be seen as a such a negative concept. The moment one does something wrong, it immediately resonates with us. While it can be masked up in denial, it is evermore constant, like a crocodile lurking under murky waters. Guilt can be an anchor deeply rooted in our chests, yet at the same time, it is also a blessing in disguise. Once we finally admit to the truth, the relief of losing such pain and nervousness can be incredibly uplifting. Gene released part of his own moral dilema by first admitting jouncing the branch to Finny. After seeing Finny's aggressive denial of such a deed, Gene takes back his words and lies. "It struck me then that I was injuring him again..(continued)However it was, it was worse for him to know it. I had to take it back." (Knowles 70). Ironically, telling the truth provides even more guilt for Gene, though this time such pressure pushes him to make a different decision. To lie, not to protect himself, but Finny. Guilt is a strange path, that leads one through a twisted tunnel of darkness, that eventually brings one to a bright new exit.
ReplyDeleteGuilt is knowing you have done something wrong or bad and not having everybody how should know about it know. Not everybody had guilt. In order to have guilt you must do something wrong, bad, hurtful, etc. Doing something wrong is definitely human, as everybody makes mistakes and causes problems. In order to live guilt free, people must admit to their wrongdoings and share what they have done, telling the truth, to release the guilt that they possess.
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