How does the motif of competition manifest in the boys' interactions?

• A. It is expressed only in sports, through athletic rivalry.
• B. It is both athletic and existential, with the urge to outdo Finny spurring jealousy and tension.
• C. It appears solely in the rules of the games played.
• D. It takes the form of formal competitions that teach moral lessons.

Answer: (B)

Competition here isn’t limited to winning games; it’s a constant force that shapes how the boys relate to each other. On the surface, you see athletic contests at Devon—the urge to outperform a teammate, to prove yourself in sports. But the deeper pull is existential: Gene measures himself against Finny and feels compelled to outdo him not just to win, but to validate his own value. That mix of wanting to surpass the other and the insecurity it stirs creates jealousy, tension, and a fragile, ever-present strain in their interactions. The moment when Gene’s competitive impulse explodes into action—leading to Finny’s fall—shows how this dual drive can have devastating moral consequences. So the motif is both athletic and existential, with the urge to outdo Finny driving the conflict and shaping the boys’ relationship.