What is Phineas's quest in A Separate Peace?

Phineas's quest in "A Separate Peace" is to maintain his sense of innocence and purity in a world tainted by the harsh realities of war and adulthood. He strives to create a perfect, idyllic world at Devon School through his carefree and idealistic nature, embodying a desire to resist the darkness that surrounds him. Ultimately, Phineas's quest represents a longing for a simpler, more innocent time that is constantly being threatened by the encroaching forces of reality.