please give a clue for the following essay question.

Describe the significance of the Winter Carnival for Gene. What does it symbolize when Finny opens the carnival by burning a copy of The Iliad? Why is it ironic that the Carnival ends with the arrival of Leper's telegram announcing his escape?

Are you referring to the book, A Separate Peace? I've never read this one; see what you can learn from the website below.

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/separate/

yes im referring to the book A Separate Peace. thanx for referring a site. shall check it out.

i checked it out the site but couldn't find anything useful to help me. any other site you know?

Try this one.

http://education.yahoo.com/homework_help/cliffsnotes/a_separate_peace/28.html

thanx for this last site! it really helped me and now my essay is half way through! :)

You're welcome. :-)

To address this essay question, we need to analyze the events and symbolism in the book related to the Winter Carnival, Finny's action, and Leper's telegram. By breaking it down and connecting the dots, we can provide insights into the significance and irony in these events.

1. Winter Carnival's significance for Gene:
To describe the significance of the Winter Carnival for Gene, you should consider his character development throughout the book. Explore how the Winter Carnival acts as a catalyst for certain emotions, relationships, or realizations in Gene's life. You can refer to specific scenes, interactions, or internal thoughts that highlight the impact of the Winter Carnival on Gene's journey.

2. Symbolism of Finny burning a copy of The Iliad:
When Finny opens the Winter Carnival by burning a copy of The Iliad, it symbolizes his desire to rebel against the conformity and destruction of war. The Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem, depicts the brutality and tragedy of war. By burning it, Finny is expressing his rejection of the darkness and violence associated with war. This action reflects Finny's optimistic, carefree nature and his longing for a peaceful world.

3. Irony in Leper's telegram announcing his escape:
The irony in the Carnival ending with Leper's telegram announcing his escape lies in the contrast between the festive atmosphere of the Carnival and the serious, disruptive news of Leper's escape. The Winter Carnival represents a temporary escape from the dreary, war-dominated reality for the boys at Devon. It is a time of celebration, innocence, and camaraderie. However, the arrival of Leper's telegram disrupts this idyllic setting, jolting everyone back into the harsh realities of the war and its consequences. This irony serves to highlight the fragility of their temporary respite and emphasizes the profound impact war has on their lives.

As you write your essay, remember to back up your points with specific evidence from the book, including quotes, scenes, and character interactions. By analyzing the events, symbolism, and situational irony, you can effectively describe the significance of the Winter Carnival for Gene and the irony surrounding Finny's action and Leper's telegram.