Coming of Age :

	The Author is trying to say how when people get older, they lose their innocence. Also, he is saying that events like war, can speed up kids on the path to becoming an adult. For example Leper was still a kid when he enlisted. After he got back he seemed like a totally different person. The coming of age theme is mainly represented by Leper.

Friendship :

	Gene and Phineas are best friends. Knowles shows this in many examples. Like when Gene and Finny run off to the beach together, and how they always are there for eachother. When Phineas falls off the tree he starts making Gene play sports for him, because Finny couldn't at the time. Gene doesnt like Finny as much, and you can tell because of when he "accidentally" pushes him out of the tree. The author is saying that even though friendships can be sour, they are still everlasting.

Competition :

	There are many samples of what the author is trying to say about competition. I believe his message is that no matter what, everyone wins out one way or another. Phineas even says this in the story. If you don't win you at least learn something, which is what the author is trying to get at.