What was the symbolic significance of the setting in 'A Separate Peace'?

The setting of the novel 'A Separate Peace' at a New England boarding school during World War II symbolizes the contrast between the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of the world. The peaceful backdrop of the school serves as a stark contrast to the turmoil and destruction of the war, highlighting the characters' struggle to navigate between their own inner conflicts and the external forces affecting them. Additionally, the school's tranquil setting underscores the theme of internal conflict and the loss of innocence that the characters experience throughout the novel.