What is the consequence of interfering with nature as seen in Finny's fall?

• A. Finny's accident results from Gene's impulsive action.
• B. Finny's accident is caused by a storm during practice.
• C. Finny's accident happened due to a prank by another student.
• D. Finny's accident was a dream that Gene had.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that meddling with the natural order of their friendship and competition has lasting, personal consequences. In this moment, Gene’s impulsive action—his instinct to push or jolt the situation in a way that unsettles Finny—disrupts the balance between them. That disruption is what causes Finny to fall, and the accident becomes a turning point in both boys’ lives. It isn’t explained by a storm, a prank from someone else, or a waking dream; the text shows clearly that Finny’s fall springs from Gene’s own, momentary choice. The event then deepens the themes of guilt, responsibility, and the fragility of trust that run through the story.