A Separate Peace, symbolizes the peaceful isolation of the Devon school from the world which is filled with war and violence. The boys are young and innocent and play in childish games through the summer. The war seems fake to the undisturbed campus. The only notion of war they have is the loss of luxury of the maid service and the food shortage, so they don’t get great food anymore. The rest of the world is consumed by the war and their daily agenda is based on the war. Picking apples and shoveling snow is the only toll it takes on the boys.  At the end of the story, the war and loss creeps on to campus, but the symbol of peaceful isolation takes on a new form. Gene finds peace with in himself, while boys are facing new fears entering the army. The title also means the battle waged within oneself. People create enemies that they must overcome. Jealousy and guilt is what Gene battles. Gene knocks Finny out of the tree out of jealousy and is filled with guilt, because of his action. Eventually, Finny forgives Gene and Gene feels relieved that his best friend has forgiven him. He conquers his enemy and believes it has died with Finny. Gene is separated from the other boys who are facing new enemies. Gene is at peace with himself even as he enters the battlefield, because he has already won his war.