What is the symbolic significance of the setting in A Separate Peace?

The setting of A Separate Peace, a boarding school in New Hampshire during World War II, symbolizes the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the loss of innocence. The peaceful, idyllic setting contrasts with the dark themes of jealousy, violence, and betrayal that unfold among the characters. The war serves as a backdrop that reflects the inner turmoil and struggles faced by the characters as they navigate the complexities of friendship and identity.