Finny, being such an exceptional athlete, is usually treated better than the average student, in most scenarios. “I was beginning to see that Phineas could get away with anything” (Knowles 25.) The way that this is stated makes it appear as if Finny is favored by his teachers. Being favorited as a result of remarkable athletic prowess is very reasonable, for Devon Academy being a military academy. This setting can also contribute to the root of Gene’s envy. Finny’s athletic successes at Devon Academy lead to the beginning of Gene’s jealousy. The setting, being a school focused on athletics, amplifies Finny’s athletic accomplishments to the point where they surpass Gene’s academic accomplishments. “After all, he should talk. He had won and been around to win the Galbraith Football Trophy and the Contact Sport Award, and there were two or three other awards he was sure to get this year or the next” (Knowles 51.)
At Devon Academy, it was implied that athletic ability was more valued compared to academic ability. This shows that while Gene had better grades and academic awards, since Finny’s athletics were valued higher than knowledge, he received more praise. The value and honor that Finny constantly received lead to the beginning of Gene’s jealousy of