Ari Benkler- Why does Finny Organize the Winter Carnival? Assignment #8

The Winter Carnival is a rejuvenation moment for Finny that gets him interested in something and motivated to accomplish some goal for the first time since his injury, thus motivating him to find himself and his old vivacious self. In the exchange Gene has with Brinker, they discuss how Finny hasn't really been motivated to do much of anything lately. Gene appeals to Brinker and says that it would be good for Finny if they helped him and really ran with the Winter Carnival idea because it would give Finny the idea, true or otherwise, that he was leading and organizing something really important. Gene practically pleads to Brinker, "This is the first time Finny's gotten going on anything since... he came back." (Knowles 130). Once at the festival, Finny seems transformed, almost as if he did not suffer from his injury. His old sense of command with mischief returned to him, when he slyly rebelled against the semi-authority of Brinker, who was taking over the carnival after Finny showed himself unwilling at the start to direct everyone. This unwillingness was in fact a ruse, some random stunt of Finny's that he did for his own enjoyment. He returns to his former self in a remarkable transition with the words, "Next? Well that's pretty clear. You are." (Knowles 134). By inciting the boys to a sort of rebellion against Brinker, or at least Brinker's preconceived notions of order and how things should go in regards to dispensing the cider, Finny is stepping into his old shoes as ringleader and mischief-maker in chief. Finally, the most striking moment of Finny's mental rebirth, which the Winter Festival marks, is his dance. Chet Douglass was playing the trumpet in a rather novel but beautiful manner throughout the festival, "...inspiring Finny... to climb onto the Prize Table and with only one leg to create a droll dance among the prizes... Phineas recaptured that magic gift for existing primarily in space..." (Knowles 136). This, though only done with one leg, was something that set Finny on fire, that motivated him and caused him pleasure and wonder, that mark for him a turning point in his recovery.