Carter Liou Question 2: Leper is the first of the boys to enlist. Based on the conversations and narration in the previous few chapters, what about this is ironic?

 In A Separate Peace by John Knowles Leper is one of the first boys to enlist after watching a United States ski troops recruiting video.  On page 123 Gene talks about Leper enlisting in the army, "No real war could draw Leper voluntarily away from his snails and beaver dams"(Knowles page 123). It is very surprising that Leper would enlist because he is described as a student who loves snails and beaver dams and would never leave those things for an actual war.  Leper also seems like a kid who is very cautious and doesn't like to take risks.  On page 95 Gene says, "Why sure that's skiing. It's a good little run, you can get going pretty fast on that hill." Leper responds by saying, "Yeah but that's it, that's why it isn't skiing. Skiing isn't supposed to be fast. Skis are for useful locomotion. You can break your leg with that downhill stuff"(Knowles 95). Here we can see how cautious Leper is. He is even more cautious than Gene, he won't even risk going down a small hill too quickly out of the fear of breaking his leg. Leper is also portrayed as a very quiet kid.  On page 124 Gene narrates, “Leper still sat amazed in his folding chair.  Ordinarily he talked little” (Knowles 124).  All these characteristics of Leper are prime examples of someone who would not enroll in the army, which is why it is so ironic and surprising that he did.

What do you think Gene and Finny will do in response to the telegram.  Why does Leper need help, what is he in danger of?