In the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowels, Phineas is depicted as a propitious and understanding individual. First of all, he is Gene's best friend. Finny includes Gene in any activity that he creates, or participates in. (Phineas is also referred to as Finny.)From the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session, to Blitzball; Gene is never once excluded. Even at the beach, another one of Finny's excursions, Gene is shown a good time. To show that Finny is truly Gene's best friend; he tells Gene, "...but after all you can't come to the shore with just anybody and you can't come by yourself, and at this teenage period in life the proper person is your best pal." He goes on to say, "which is what you are." Finny accepts Gene as a best friend throughout much of the book. Even when Gene falters at being Finny's best friend by breaking his leg, Finny continues to view and accept Gene as his companion; it seems that Finny never once questions their friendship before the trail. Furthermore, to show that Finny is a propitious person, he is always full of fun and exciting ideas. This is most evident when he invented Blitzball, and when he organized the winter carnival. In both affairs the credit for the activity, and the delight enjoyed by the participants, can be given solely to Finny. In the case of Blitzball, Finny creates a popular game at his slightest whim. He simply said, "I think it's about time we started to get a little exercise," and proceeded to produce a fantastic game. Finny's ideas seem to be very creative, and he always oversees things to make sure a good time is had by all. He is a creative individual; he derives his joy from the happiness of others. Lastly, Finny is displayed as a very understanding human being. For instance, when Gene tells Finny that he needs to study, Finny is not offended at all. He simply tells Gene, "Don't go." It seems that he realized Gene's need to study. Finny proves this by actually telling Gene to stay, even after he decides to go, "No you aren't pal, you're going to study." Perhaps the most evident case of Finny's understanding, is that he still accepts Gene after he learns the truth about his broken leg. Instead of hating Gene for shattering his leg, Finny says, "I believe you. It's okay because I understand and I believe you. You've already shown me and I believe you." Finny accepts his crippled leg, and forgives Gene for his blind impulse. His belief that Gene is remorseful, and his acceptance of what has happened, shows immense understanding. Being Gene's best friend, always having fun ideas, his understanding personality - these are all reasons why Phineas is a propitious and understanding individual.
