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Theme Of A Separate Peace And Dead Poets Society

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At some point in life, one will learn of the major consequences of not thinking situations through and in turn, the importance of having friends to help overcome difficulties caused by this. Knowles, author of A Separate Peace, and the 1989 film, Dead Poets Society, make similar points and develop comparable themes throughout the stories. Both make a point about the major consequences that come with risky or not well thought out actions. Secondly, each have the idea of the importance of finding new ways to deal with difficulties. Lastly, the concept of friendship is key throughout the pieces. In short, these similar points that are made throughout the two works connect to larger idea of friendships being an important part of getting …show more content…

However, these ideas are just the beginning of the larger theme, further developed by what could have been done to deal with the conflicts instead. When looking at situations, more specifically decisions of others from the outside, it can seem that the alternative, better option is straightforward and simple. Whereas, actually being in the position of making the life changing choice, actions may fly by too quickly without a chance for the person to debate possible, more appropriate, options. A Separate Peace and Dead Poets Society, present the idea of slowing down long enough to lead to a more beneficial outcome. Using the examples above, it is clear that other actions could have been taken. For one thing, Finny’s misfortune could have been easily avoided. Seeing how their friendship is clearly important to him, his intention is not to hurt Finny when he shakes the branch. He only wants to seem a little stronger than his seemingly untouchable, talented friend, supported by his thoughts when it happened,” It was the first clumsy physical action I had seen him make”(60). However, the tragic events all following as a result of Finny falling could have been avoided if Gene and Finny talked and cleared up the misunderstandings. Of course, similarly to the death of Neil in Dead Poets Society, this was not the case due to easily avertable, impulsive

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