Symbolism of Gene Forrester

The war is a symbol that is closely tied to Gene's character. World war II occurs at the same time Gene has his internal war between himself and his surroundings. This internal war arises from the envy he feels about Finny. While more important things are going on around him, such as World War II, Gene only cares about the rivalry between himself and his best friend. He chooses to end this internal war by jouncing Finny off of the limb. The tree on the Devon River also represents the fear that Finny feels and the place where he overcame his fear. He uses the tree to put an end to his internal war, although his decision causes him to regret his feelings and his actions.