Thursday, April 23, 2015
What is the significance of the incident at the swimming pool? What does the reveal about Finny and Gene and what does it add to our understanding of their relationship? (Rebecca)
Gene's admiration for Finny grows after the pool incident because of Finny's humility. In chapter 3, the reader learns that winning at sports comes naturally to Finny. "You always win at sports... " (Knowles 35) This shows that Finny almost always expects himself to win. Finny beats the record so naturally that Gene not only looks up to him more, but envies him more too. "You're too good to be true."(44) The fact that Finny beat a school record in one try amazes Gene, but when Finny decides to keep it a secret, Gene feels even more jealous of Finny's modesty. Throughout the book, the reader can see that Gene is more competitive with Finny that Finny is with Gene. Finny does enjoy competition and rivalry, but Gene sees more of a need to be better than Finny. "Was he trying to impress me or something?" (44) Gene sees this as a competition, but Finny is more relaxed about it and thinks of it as more of a game.
Finny sees winning as an important thing, but Gene is surprised when Finny doesn't feel the need to tell everyone. One of Finny's 'Commandments' is to always win at sports, however, this incident proves that he wins for himself, not anyone else. Showing off seems like something Finny would do a lot, because so many people admire him, but modesty shows that he doesn't only act based on what others think. "Perhaps for that reason his accomplishment took root in my mind and grew rapidly in the darkness where I had been forced to hide it." (44) Finny counted on Gene to keep this secret, which makes Gene feel closer, and more trusted by Finny. The two of them seem to be a team yet rivals. Finny's modesty stands prominent in Gene's mind, making him respect and envy Finny at the same time.
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I believe that the significance of the incidence at the swimming pool is that Gene becomes even more envious of Finny. Although Finny is a great athlete, it seems very unlikely that someone who doesn't even swim competitively can break the record. This aggravates Gene even more because how can someone who doesn't know any thing about something go into it and be great. Gene tries to, in a way, make Finny less confident by saying "The worst thing is there weren't any witnesses. And I'm no official official timekeeper. I don't think it will count." (Knowles, 43)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alexandra, I think that Gene becomes more jealous over Finny's decision not to tell people instead of breaking a new school record and telling everyone. However, I agree with Rebecca that he is envious over the idea of Finny not telling anyone because Gene sees Finny as the perfect athlete, who can talk himself out of any situation and is extremely lively. Gene does not describe Finny as the nicest or most modest person, in fact, he tends to show that Finny is the opposite because he is essentially the leader of their group and he is always just naturally showing off. By Finny not telling people, it's showing he actually does have some modesty which Gene would not have and doesn't truly care about if life really is all about competition as Gene describes. "No, I just wanted to see if I could do it. Now I know. But I don't want to do it in public."(Knowles, 44)
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Alexandra, In chapter three Finny swims an outstanding record breaking time. Finny had done this without any training. After Finny does, he says that he will not try and do this in front of anyone else. I believe that when Finny said that Gene began to becomes very angry. This anger is because Finny again can outperform anyone with a little effort, but chooses not to. Up until this point in the story, in my opinion, Gene does not see Finny as a nice, selfless person. He only see's him as an amazing athlete. This bugs Gene and causes him to be more envious of Finny.
ReplyDeleteI also think that if Gene had not met Finny he might be better off. Throughout the book, I feel as if Gene is continuously comparing himself to Finny. This brings his self-esteem down and also makes him feel more insecure. If Gene had been friends with someone else, he wouldn't have to feel this way because they would most likely be at the same skill level athletically.
I also agree with Alexandra, In chapter three Finny swims an outstanding record breaking time. Finny had done this without any training. After Finny does, he says that he will not try and do this in front of anyone else. I believe that when Finny said that Gene began to becomes very angry. This anger is because Finny again can outperform anyone with a little effort, but chooses not to. Up until this point in the story, in my opinion, Gene does not see Finny as a nice, selfless person. He only see's him as an amazing athlete. This bugs Gene and causes him to be more envious of Finny.
ReplyDeleteI also think that if Gene had not met Finny he might be better off. Throughout the book, I feel as if Gene is continuously comparing himself to Finny. This brings his self-esteem down and also makes him feel more insecure. If Gene had been friends with someone else, he wouldn't have to feel this way because they would most likely be at the same skill level athletically.
I think it is clear that Gene is jealous of Finny for being such an incredible athlete. I know that Gene wishes he could be as good of an athlete. If Gene was the one who broke the swimming record, he would definitely want his name to be placed on the plaque for all to see. I also am adding another thing to relate to Anthony. I think it is a good thing that Finny and Gene met. They have had some very good and memorable times together. Because they are each envious of each other's special talent (academics and athletics) they both strive to succeed and become better at their talent.
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