Finny organizes the Winter Carnival because its the only way, that he feels that he is still apart of the athletic community at Devon. On page 129, it says, " The main attraction will be sports, naturally, featuring I expect a ski jump..... and some slalom races, and I think a little track" (Knowles 129). This quote shows how Finny knows that he will never be able to compete in sports again, so he comes up with the Winter Carnival where he can host it all, and in a way, be apart of the carnival, by being in charge of the carnival. The Winter Carnival is also one of the ways Finny was planning to help Gene prepare for the Olympics of 1944. On page 127, it says, ".....just Phineas and me alone among all the people of the world, training for the Olympics of 1944"(Knowles 127). This quote shows how the Winter Carnival was also a way for Finny to train with Gene for the Olympics. The Winter Carnival is the last chance Finny has, to reconnecting with the athletic community of Devon.
Why do you think Gene is training with Finny? Do you think Gene really wants to be an Olympic athlete?
Gene is training for the 1944 Olympics to give Finny something to do and something to strive for now that he can no longer participate in sports. Finny says "If I can't play sports you're going to play them for me" (Knowles 85), and Gene decides to do as he says. Later, Finnny says "Did I tell you that I was aiming for the Olympics?" (Knowles 117), and Gene decides that this is his chance to fulfill his promise and give Finny something to live for.
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