Examine how the characters and school are affected by the war

War is debated as a rite of passage or sign of masculinity. It is a world that juxtaposes the "peace" of the school. Gene largely sees the war through the lens of other boys. He does not seem to have particular beliefs himself. He listens to Brinker's fervent patriotism and protestations of heroism, he listens to Finny's theory that the war is not real, and he sees his damaged friend Leper run away from the war. Gene eventually joins the war, but isn't really impacted by it. Gene comments that his war really took place on the grounds of Devon fighting social and emotional pressures.