“This moment was past. Phineas I know had been even more startled than I to discover this bitterness in himself.” (Knowles 117)
Ever since Finny has returned to Devon he has demonstrated a substantial alteration in his conduct, and has brought about a new theme in the novel, change. This verbal lash toward Gene was not something that Finny had done prior to his injury. Finny seems to have also developed an appreciation for academics as well. This is best exhibited on page 119 when Gene claims that he was occupied with dividing his time between tutoring Finny and being coached by him for the Olympics. Also, there is a new (and perhaps less trivial) issue between Gene and Finny. Now that rivalry has been dismissed, (Gene no longer sees Finny as mere competition) Gene and Finny’s views on the war differ tremendously as clash with one another at times. Finny also disclaims the war’s existence. This could be perceived as Finny trying to discourage Gene from joining the service with Brinker.
Question: Will Finny’s new attitude be one that Gene would enjoy befriending?
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