A Separate Peace is set in New England during World War II at the Devon School. The weather changes throughout the year and fits the mood of the students. The summer is warm much like the student’s attitude. They’re friendly and carefree. When the winter session begins, everything becomes rigid again. In this time period, everything is rationed and nothing is wasted. With it being in New England, the air is crisp and cool. Not humid or muggy. Nearby, there’s a beach, but it’s foggy in the morning unlike the preconceived image of a clear, orange sky.

The book couldn’t happen in quite the same way today since World War II has ended, but it’s entirely possible. The stress of war still continues for some families and it’s able to affect two boys. As well, boys today still get jealous of each other. Causing Finny to fall from the tree could realistically happen. Knowles wrote something that is believable. In fact, he could stick “based on a true story” on the cover and no one would probably question it. There are a few things that seem strange such as Leper’s sudden appearance back at Devon or Finny’s uncommon cause of death, but everything is in the realm of possibility.