In the scene in the Butt Room, Gene is pressured by his friends to tell the truth, even if they unknowingly do this. They were just joking around, making fun of the matter. Gene goes along with the joke, and just wants to get out of the Butt Room so nothing suspicious arises. He does not want the reality of the matter unfold in front of him and scatter all around the school. He would get an immense amount of heat, and not be looked at as a smart, intelligent boy. Negativity would attack him like a shark. His wishes of being head of the class would diminish right in front of his eyes. The truth is would be alarming or deeply unpleasant to most of the boys at Devon, as well as the teachers. Gene's hopes and dreams would be lost.
Do you think the truth will come out? When? What would be the reaction? How will this affect Gene's psychological challenges? How will Finny and Gene's friendship fare out once the truth is confirmed and known by all? Will this force Gene to join the army?
