How does Gene's reaction to Finny's fall illuminate the theme of guilt?

• A. He experiences deep guilt and struggles with blame and denial, illustrating the tension between loyalty and jealousy.
• B. He rejects the idea that he caused the accident and blames Finny.
• C. He immediately confesses and seeks forgiveness.
• D. He remains indifferent and resumes life as if nothing happened.

Answer: (B)

Guilt in this moment shows up as a defensive reaction rather than straightforward remorse. When Finny falls, Gene isn’t ready to own up to having caused it, so he deflects responsibility and blames Finny instead. This outward shift hides his inner conflict—the jealousy he feels toward Finny alongside his loyalty to their friendship. The urge to protect Finny’s image and the fear of losing him makes admitting fault feel like a betrayal. By choosing to reject responsibility and externalize the blame, Gene’s response dramatizes how guilt can distort truth and create a tension between loyalty and envy, illuminating the complexity of guilt in their relationship.