From Innocence to Experience

Transformations occur all throughout life, from developing pimples as an adolescent, to a midlife crisis that changes everything. In John Knowles’ novel A Separate Peace, there is a transformation in all key elements of the book, from the rivers, to the tree, to the characters. Three specific young men experience change not just because of the transitions through adolescence. These changes also come about because of war, an injury, and guilt. All of these transformations are specifically seen in Leper, Phineas, and Gene.
A minor but vital character, Elwin Lepellier, a young man still trying to mature, gets thrown into war and is devoured by its viciousness. Elwin Lepellier or Leper is introduced as a dreamy, eccentric, loner at Devon. He would much prefer exploring the world solo than being involved in a group. He may be a loner because he breaks down under pressure easily, which often times embarrasses him. When provoked by Finny to jump from the tree, he freezes. When the ball was pitched to him during blitzball, he refuses it. Leper would much rather stick to classic things like skiing (rather than walking) and enjoying nature such as the rivers and beaver dams. Though, after watching a video on the ski troops, Leper surprises everyone when he enlists for the army. Leper thinks the ski troops will be a great branch to join because he would be doing something he loved and supporting the war. Being the first boy from Devon to leave, everyone thinks Leper as heroic and gallant. However, when faced with the strenuous basic training in the army, Leper cracks under pressure. The war proves to be too much for him and he suffers from a mental breakdown and flees from the army. Upon returning home, Leper sends a telegram to Gene explaining that he has “escaped and his safety depends on Gene coming at once to his Christmas