a conclusion The conclusion restates the ideas from the thesis and summarizes some of the main points from the essay The conclusion's final thought often considers additional implications for Haw to Enclude AU the essay or gives the reader something to ponder further In This Book Begin your conclusion with a recap of the thesis and a brief summary of the most important or strongest arguments Leave readers with a final thought that puts the essay in a larger context or considers its wider implications In this book you will read summaries of works each followed by an analysis Critical thinking sections will give you a chance to consider other theses and questions about the work Did you agree with the author s analysis What other questions are raised by the thesis and its arguments You can also see other directions the author could have pursued to analyze the work Then in the Analyze It section in the final pages of book you will have an this opportunity to create your own analysis paper 10
The Theme of Coming of Age The book you are reading focuses on the theme of coming of age Also known as a bildungsroman German for novel of formation or education a coming of age story is one in which the protagonist or main character matures from childhood into adulthood These stories often feature teenage protagonists dealing with the trials of growing up Leaving childhood behind the character may gain wisdom and a new sense of identity But growing up also often means a loss of innocence as characters have to face Look for the Guides the adult realities of the world Race gender and socioeconomic standing can impact a character s coming of age as can the historical time period and the society Throughout the chapters that analyze the works thesis statements have been highlighted The box next to the thesis helps explain what questions are being raised about the work Supporting arguments have also been highlighted The boxes next to the arguments help explain how these points support the thesis The conclusions are also accompanied by explanatory boxes Look for these guides throughout each analysis in which he or she
AN OVERVIEW OF A Separate Peace ublished in 1959 John Knowles s A Separate Peace relates the coming of age of 16 year old Gene Forrester a student at the Devon School a boarding school in New England during World War II 1939 1945 Gene's journey into adulthood is set in motion by his relationship with Finny his best friend The novel opens with an adult Gene visiting the school and reflecting on how it seems newer and yet somehow museum like Gene slogs across muddy playing fields in the rain to find a tree that looms large in his memories To his surprise the tree is much smaller and feebler than he remembered 12
ar Gene climbs into the tree about to make a terrifying leap 13
