#4 Oakes

72-85, Question 4)  Re-read the last sentence of chapter 6 (p84-85). Explain what is happening in the quote (establish context) and then explore and explain the last part “I lost part of myself to him then, and a soaring sense of freedom revealed that this must have been my purpose from the first: to become part of Phineas” (85).

At the end of chapter 6 Gene decides that in order to make up for Finny’s injury, he will do all the things that Finny is unable to do now. Gene feels responsible for Finny’s injury because he was the one that bounced on the limb, knocking Finny off and shattering his leg, ending his sporting career forever. Finny calls Gene and says “If I can’t play sports, you’re going to play them for me” (Knowles 85). Gene then decides to play sports in Finny’s honor and a weight is lifted from his chest. He says “...and a soaring sense of freedom revealed that this must have been my purpose from the first: to become part of Phineas” (Knowles 85). Gene has been feeling guilty ever since Finny’s accident, and he discovers a way to relieve some of that guilt. He knows that he can’t ever mend his friend’s leg, but he can experience what Finny loved and share his experiences.