A Separate Peace, Chapters 3-4

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Klbgreene

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Questions: 9 | Attempts: 1,301 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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This is a test to assess your understanding of "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles, Chapters 3-4.

Questions and Answers

1.

The narrator, Gene, says that Finney often...
- A.
  
  ...created rules without notice.
- B.
  
  ...cheated on tests.
- C.
  
  ... skipped classes.
- D.
  
  ... drank beer and smoked cigarettes.
Correct Answer
A. ...created rules without notice.

Explanation
The narrator, Gene, says that Finney often created rules without notice. This suggests that Finney had a tendency to establish arbitrary rules or expectations without informing others, which could create confusion or frustration among those around him. This behavior implies a certain level of unpredictability and a lack of consideration for the feelings or needs of others. It also suggests that Finney may have enjoyed exerting control or power over his peers by imposing rules on them without warning.

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2.

Why does Finney feel that "nothing bad happens in sports?"
- A.
  
  Sports are so much fun, that even losing is not bad.
- B.
  
  Finney has had a lot of bad things happen to him.
- C.
  
  He wants Gene to feel better.
- D.
  
  Finney is not a good athlete, so enjoys the challenge.
Correct Answer
A. Sports are so much fun, that even losing is not bad.

Explanation
Finney feels that "nothing bad happens in sports" because he believes that sports are so enjoyable that even losing does not have a negative impact. He sees sports as a source of fun and excitement, where the joy of participating outweighs any negative outcomes. This perspective may stem from Finney's personal experiences of having had many bad things happen to him, and he wants to share his positive outlook with Gene to help him feel better. Additionally, Finney's enjoyment of sports may not be solely dependent on his athletic abilities, as he finds pleasure in the challenge they present.

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3.

What did Phineous admit to Gene at the beach?
- A.
  
  His family life was really bad.
- B.
  
  He wanted to commit suicide.
- C.
  
  He was failing all of his classes and would be kicked out of school soon.
- D.
  
  Gene was his best friend.
Correct Answer
D. Gene was his best friend.

Explanation
Phineous admitted to Gene at the beach that Gene was his best friend. This suggests that Phineous values their friendship and considers Gene to be an important person in his life.

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4.

What record did Finney break?
- A.
  
  Gene's favorite Elvis Presley record
- B.
  
  The school's swimming record
- C.
  
  The most times of skipped classes
- D.
  
  The most times jumped out of the tree
Correct Answer
B. The school's swimming record

Explanation
Finney broke the school's swimming record. This implies that Finney achieved a better time or distance in swimming than any previous student at the school.

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5.

Why did Gene participate in the Super Suicide Society of Summer Session?
- A.
  
  He wanted Finney to like him.
- B.
  
  It felt good to be included in the "cool" group.
- C.
  
  None of the above.
- D.
  
  All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
Gene participated in the Super Suicide Society of Summer Session for multiple reasons. Firstly, he wanted Finney to like him, as their friendship was important to him. Secondly, being included in the "cool" group made him feel good and boosted his self-esteem. Therefore, both the options of wanting Finney to like him and feeling included in the "cool" group are valid reasons for Gene's participation.

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0
1
6.

What happened that made Gene think that Phineas was trying to sabotage his good grades?
- A.
  
  He made Gene miss his Trigonometry test.
- B.
  
  He made Gene so late for his Trigonometry test that he didn't have time to study.
- C.
  
  Finney skipped class.
- D.
  
  Finney held Gene captive, preventing him from going to class.
Correct Answer
A. He made Gene miss his Trigonometry test.

Explanation
Gene believed that Phineas was trying to sabotage his good grades because Phineas made him miss his Trigonometry test. This suggests that Phineas intentionally caused Gene to be unable to take the test, thereby hindering his academic performance and potentially lowering his grades.

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0
2
7.

What made Gene change is mind about going with Finney to watch Leper jump?
- A.
  
  Gene didn't want Finney to control him.
- B.
  
  Gene really wanted to go, and Finney just talked him into it.
- C.
  
  Gene knew that if he didn't go, Finney would beat him up.
- D.
  
  None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Gene didn't want Finney to control him.

Explanation
Gene didn't want Finney to control him, which is why he changed his mind about going with Finney to watch Leper jump. This suggests that Gene values his independence and autonomy, and does not want to be influenced or manipulated by others. He wants to make his own decisions and not be controlled by Finney. This change of mind indicates that Gene is asserting his own agency and resisting any attempts to dominate or control him.

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8.

Why is Finney surprised that Gene wants to study?
- A.
  
  Finney is so naturally athletic, that he feels that Gene is naturally smart and shouldn't need to work so hard.
- B.
  
  Finney doesn't need to study since his grades are good without trying.
- C.
  
  Gene never studies, so Finney is surprised when he is studying.
- D.
  
  Nobody studies during Summer Session.
Correct Answer
A. Finney is so naturally athletic, that he feels that Gene is naturally smart and shouldn't need to work so hard.

Explanation
Finney is surprised that Gene wants to study because he believes that Gene is naturally smart and shouldn't have to put in extra effort. Finney, being naturally athletic, assumes that intelligence comes as easily to Gene as athleticism does to him. Thus, he finds it unexpected and surprising that Gene would feel the need to study.

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9.

Why did Gene "joust" the limb?
- A.
  
  Gene wanted to make Finney fall.
- B.
  
  Gene was purposefully trying to make Finney lose balance.
- C.
  
  Gene was just teasing and playing with Finney.
- D.
  
  Gene was anxious to jump in himself.
Correct Answer
C. Gene was just teasing and playing with Finney.

Explanation
Gene "jousting" the limb suggests that he was engaging in a playful and teasing manner with Finney. Jousting typically refers to a friendly competition or mock fight, indicating that Gene's actions were not meant to harm or make Finney fall. Instead, Gene was likely engaging in playful banter and enjoying the interaction with his friend.

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0
1

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Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
May 04, 2009

Quiz Created by
Klbgreene

A Separate Peace, Chapters 3-4

The narrator, Gene, says that Finney often...

Why does Finney feel that "nothing bad happens in sports?"

What did Phineous admit to Gene at the beach?

What record did Finney break?

Why did Gene participate in the Super Suicide Society of Summer Session?

What happened that made Gene think that Phineas was trying to sabotage his good grades?

What made Gene change is mind about going with Finney to watch Leper jump?

Why is Finney surprised that Gene wants to study?

Why did Gene "joust" the limb?