WRITING POINTERS

1. WRITING POINTERS Some goals for Literary Analysis The 9th Grade Honors Rising Stars

2. At the infirmary, Gene expresses that he had a second of blind impulse that made him do it. It was, in fact, a moment of ignorance that made him shake that limb. Once again, their special bond prevails because no matter what happens, they are best friends and care for one another. However, when Finny dies, Gene does not cry at his funeral or ever. This can be misinterpreted as apathy, but it is merely the manner in which Gene handles loss. He loses a part of himself when Finny dies. The envy, jealousy, and paranoia Gene feels were created by his own insecurities. Although Gene realizes it much too late, Finny was never his enemy; he is a friend.

3. “In the book, Gene and Phineas do not start out as "best pals." One day while hanging out with their friends, Finny decided to jump off of a tree into a river. Once he completed this task he expected others to do the same, but Gene was the only one who followed him. From that moment on, they considered themselves as best friends. As their friendship grew stronger they started to get into trouble together, but Finny could always find a way out of it. Soon they started to do everything together and started a club: The Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session. Rapidly, Gene's grades started to become worst and worst and he eventually failed a test. He became suspicious that Finny was trying to bring him down. During this rising issue in their friendship, Gene accidentally double bounced a branch to make Finny fall. After Gene realized that he did it on purpose, he decided to tell Finny. Even through all the struggles and issues that arouse between them, Finny and Gene stayed friends.”

4. Wasted Phrases… continued. • “I can honestly say” • “In my opinion” • “One of the book’s major themes is jealousy, and it is pretty prominent throughout.” • “When you pick up the book and skim the pages…” • Their relationship is very controversial and can be looked at from several perspectives.” • “At the end of chapter four and the beginning of chapter five…”

5. Word Choice • “Many times the negative side of their relationship does not show, but the positive side does show.” “Finny’s good-naturedness” “They had eachother’s backs” “It seemed that” “This shows” “The friendship can stand tall…”

6. Sentence Combining • Finny is attractive, athletic, and confident. He is able to talk himself out of any situation solely using his charm and wit. • Attractive, athletic, and confident, Finny is able to talk himself out of any situation by using his charm and wit.

7. “What looks like friendship on the outside is driven by envy, jealousy, and competition. Gene’s underlying hatred is masked and Finny unfortunately falls for it.” Katie N. • “Gene and Phineas’ journey was certainly a rollercoaster, but it simply brought them to an end where they each discover themselves, especially Gene. He understand the true meaning of friendship.” ZyanyaF. • “The relationship is flawed because Gene is paranoid and self conscious, while Finny is likeable and confident. They are able to work through this because while Finny is stubborn, he also very forgiving.” Allison R.

8. Their relationship is fueled by Gene’s resentment and Finny’s domineering spirit. (Julia B.) • Whatever took over Gene at that moment came from a place of resentment. (Halle P.) • The carefree friendship comes to a halt when Gene believes that his dear friend is inhibiting him. Finny, however, is not aware of the paranoia Gene feels. (Lauren C.)

9. Rephrase/Run-On • “Gene being envious was not necessarily Finny’s fault.” • “Even after he had shattered his leg falling from the tree they had jumped from many times before without trouble, and was unable to perform the activities he once thrived at, he still wanted to see Gene succeed.” • “Their relationship was based upon these aspects in which form almost every friendship that comes along.” • “Gene soon realizes that he had grievously mistaken about the rivalry between him and Finny.”