Power/Submission

1. Brinker’s actions – Brinker likes to be in power whether it be serving on a committee or influencing his fellow students. He is a student politician. However, Brinker also follows no matter if they’re ineffective or inefficient. Though he has influence over students, he is doing what the Devon School wants. He is creating obedient followers of Devon and its rules, not himself.

2. Gene/Finny – In this friendship, Gene submits to Finny’s whims and Finny holds the power. Even when Gene would prefer to study, he chooses to follow Finny to the river. As well, Finny still holds power over Gene after breaking his leg and it is why Gene feels peace when Finny is gone.

3. The War – Each person’s view of the war depends on their perspective. For old men like Mr. Hadley, the war is an opportunity to create stories, achieve honor, and hold power. For boys like Finny, the war demands submission to new sets of rules.

4. The Jumping Tree – The jumping tree is a place where Finny can show-off and therefore spread his influence over the other boys, having them awe at his feats. However, the tree shows its own display of power when Finny falls. The tree becomes a place where boys are made into heroes among their peers and a place where they are defeated.

5. Leper’s Actions – Leper is laid back and lives in his own world. He enjoys nature and though he doesn’t deny the war’s existence he lives life as if it doesn’t exist, preferring to search for beaver dams while others contribute to the war effort. However, Leper eventually succumbs to the war, enlisting when he’s shown the prettier side of it. He had more power over his life than anyone but gave it up for the war.