In A Separate Peace, Finny and Gene break the rules of their prep school, Devon, and leave campus to got to the beach for some fun. They ride their bikes there and enjoy themselves, but the next day, due to not studying, Gene fails his math test and blames Finny for distracting him. Finny forms the Super Suicide Society which the members jump out of a tree. Finny decides to do a double jump with Gene and Gene shakes the branch making Finny fall. Shattering his leg, Finny is no longer able to play sports and Gene feels guilty for his action. During the winter, Finny returns back to school and decides to throw a winter carnival. There is games, cider, music, and prizes and Finny runs the show. The boys have a good time. Gene goes  to visit Leper who has come back from war. Gene is disturbed by the sight of his friend. Leper has lost his mind and was soon to be discharged from the army as a mental person. Towards the end of the story, Brinker drags Finny and Gene into something like a trial to see if they could accuse Gene of being guilty of making Finny fall on purpose. Finny discovers the truth and becomes very upset. As Finny tries to storm out, he falls and breaks his leg again. Finny forgives Gene before he dies. This makes Gene feels at peace with himself. As he enters war, Gene feels like he has already defeated the enemy.