As World War II rages in Europe, a different kind of struggle strikes the young students of a private boys' boarding school. "A Separate Peace", by John Knowles, outlines the emotional struggle in Devon during the summer and winter sessions of 1942. This conflict is best illustrated by Knowles' use of different personalities in two of the main characters, Phineas and Brinker Hadley . Although they are the same age, the boys display different personalities that correspond to Devon's different moods during the summer and winter sessions. Phineas' relaxed, pacifist personality reflects the mood during the summer term, while the orderly pro-war attitude found in Devon during the winter term matches Brinker's personality. Brinker and Phineas' views on the war, as well as their reactions to Phineas' fall, are shaped by their respective personalities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The author uses Brinker and Phineas to represent the contrasting attitudes in Devon during the summer and winter sessions. The winter session is characterized by the conservatism and pro-war attitude of the faculty and students. The pro-war attitude is demonstrated throughout the year by the curriculum's emphasis on physical preparation and mental agility for use in war. Brinker thrives in the orderly, militaristic environment of the winter session. "I liked Brinker despite his efficiency in the Winter Session; almost everyone liked Brinker." Knowles uses the character of Brinker to exemplify the efficiency of Devon's operations. Brinker's serious demeanor reflects the somber formality that war creates in Devon. In stark contrast to the winter session, the summer session lacks structure and order. Phineas' attitude parallels the carefree days of the summer session. The “gypsy days” of summer are relaxing and much less stressful than the normal school year. As he recalls his summer at Devon at the start of the winter term, Gene states: Traditions had been broken, standards lowered, all the rules forgotten = 2E In those bright days of truancy we had never thought of What we owed to Devon , as the sermon on this opening day urged us to do. The summer session is untouched by war and untainted by preparations for the inevitable. Winter session transforms Devon into a rigorous, institutional school that prepares students like Brinker for military service, while summer brings the carefree innocence of students like Phineas to school. Brinker and Phineas' contrasting opinions on the war in Europe reveal their personality differences. Brinker begins the school year believing that military service is necessary and fun. He encourages other students to enlist and often refers to his plans to join the Army. It is his persuasive skills that almost convince Gene, Phineas' closest friend, to enlist at the start of his senior year. Brinker's views on military service and courage become evident in the next moment: "Everyone in this place is either a draft-dodging Kraut or a... a..." the contemptuous force of his tone turned the word into a 'expletive, "a nat-u-ral-ist!" He grabbed my flailing arm. "I give up, I'll enlist. Tomorrow." However, Brinker does not enlist during his senior year, but chooses to join the Coast Guard after graduation. For most of the school year, Phineas believes that the old men "made up this fake war" to control the population.