Which character's belief about the war shapes the training Gene receives?

Which character's belief about the war shapes the training Gene receives?

• A. Finny
• B. Brinker
• C. Leper
• D. Gene

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how a character’s belief about a large situation can drive another character’s actions and motivation. Finny’s conviction that the war isn’t real or that it won’t intrude on Devon shapes Gene’s training because Gene is pulled into Finny’s worldview. Finny’s optimistic, carefree stance makes Gene want to prove himself as Finny’s equal and to help sustain the illusion of a world where athletic competition and friendship can go on despite what’s happening in the outside world. That belief becomes the main motive behind Gene’s efforts to train and improve, because he wants to please Finny and remain part of that shared, war-free space Finny imagines. Other characters influence events in different ways, but the personal push behind Gene’s training comes from Finny’s stance toward the war.

The idea being tested is how a character’s belief about a large situation can drive another character’s actions and motivation. Finny’s conviction that the war isn’t real or that it won’t intrude on Devon shapes Gene’s training because Gene is pulled into Finny’s worldview. Finny’s optimistic, carefree stance makes Gene want to prove himself as Finny’s equal and to help sustain the illusion of a world where athletic competition and friendship can go on despite what’s happening in the outside world. That belief becomes the main motive behind Gene’s efforts to train and improve, because he wants to please Finny and remain part of that shared, war-free space Finny imagines. Other characters influence events in different ways, but the personal push behind Gene’s training comes from Finny’s stance toward the war.