Why did Knowles open the story with Gene returning to the Devon School 15 years after he graduated?

Question

I'm talking about the book A Separate Peace. The author is John Knowles.

Answer 1

I think it was for closure really as he visited two scary sites ~ a flight of marble stairs and a tree by a river.It was to regain a sense of composure and also allow flashbacks to his student days in Devon and his friendship with Finny.The book is largely based on Knowles' own experiences at Phillips Exeter.

Answer 2

I don't really know. But what I think is that he returns to be at peace with everything that happened. The whole journey told in the book is his own struggle for peace.

Answer 3

I believe it is because once an author begins to EMIT a storyline, it is hard for him to STOP.  For example, someone grasping for a STRAW might try to REFLIP the hat of a GATEMAN.  But if you do not see how he is TRESSED, you'll always be looking for HITS.