What makes literature great? Keep in mind that “great” does not imply a novel that was a bestseller, written by a famous author, or simply received positive reviews. Rather, a truly great work is one that is a classic. Literature is considered classic when it has stood the test of time; and stands the test of time when the artistic quality it expresses continues to be relevant. In other words, it must inspire to have a lasting impact. A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, is a true classic. The novel is set in a boys' boarding school in New Hampshire, at the beginning of the first rumblings of World War II. Gene Forrester is a quiet and intellectual student at Devon School, who becomes close friends with his daredevil roommate, Phineas. Gene gradually begins to envy Finny's amazing athletic abilities. She thinks that Finny, in turn, envies her superior academic success. Gene's suspicions turn to resentful disgust. Finny later suggests that the two take a dangerous leap from a tree into a river. When Finny reaches the edge of the branch, Gene shakes the branch, causing Finny to fall and break his leg. The tragedy is generally considered an accident and no one thinks of blaming Gene. This is the opening of Knowles' novel, which already draws on themes of loyalty, betrayal and the characteristics of the human heart. Beautifully written and with great depth, Knowles brings his characters to life to weave a story about the horrors of war and how it can exist anywhere, even among friends. A Separate Peace deserves its classic and therefore great prestige because of its compelling, sophisticated characters and unique, thought-provoking perspective and theme. Exhibiting exceptional power and distinction, John Knowles' achievement... center of paper... Lord of the Flies and The Catcher in the Rye. But what sets Knowles apart as an author is that his novel is so strikingly relatable, speaking in a way that captures the heart and mind of the reader. In A Separate Peace, readers can draw parallels from the book to themselves, paving the way for a fuller understanding and appreciation for the novel's message. Set in a time when an entire country was losing its innocence due to World War II, Knowles puts a twist on a coming-of-age story, delving into the dark side of adolescence. As in the words of famed reviewer Warren Miller, "John Knowles has something special to say about youth and war that few contemporary novelists have attempted to say and no one has said better" (New York Times). A bestseller for more than 30 years, A Separate Peace is John Knowles' masterpiece and an undisputed American classic.