What is the meaning of the title A Separate Peace?

Answer 1

The author called the book "A Separate Peace" because Devon, their school, is an area of peace separated from the world, during World War II. Devon at that time of the Summer of 1944 was a time of freedom. Also Gene had to separate himself from Finny to find his own peace since Finny created that peaceful atmosphere at Devon.

Answer 2

"A Separate Peace" refers to the peace and tranquility that the characters strive to achieve in their personal lives amidst the backdrop of World War II. It also symbolizes the inner conflict and struggles that the characters face, highlighting the idea of finding peace within themselves.

Answer 3

A separate peace is when, for example, one country makes peace with another while they still are knee-deep in battle and blood. (During the American Revolution, France did not want America to form a "separate peace" with Britain...France wanted the inspired colonists to continue fighting until they received their spoils of war.)

The title could take on a number of meanings. Finny eventually makes peace with Gene towards the end of the story--this might be where author John Knowles came up with the title. While they finally reached a "separate peace", Finny's obviously tried to ignore the war and the notion of growing up and growing apart from his boyhood friends. There still wasn't a true, entire peace in his mind or in the novel.

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

The book was called a Separate Peace because it represent Finny and Genes relationship throughout the novel.