Meaning: The quote "Looking back, I think we were all quite mature, surprisingly responsible. In earlier wars, boys of our age had just gone off to raise hell or enlist or both, but we stayed dutifully at our desks doing tomorrow's homework" by John Knowles, the novelist, reflects on the sense of duty and responsibility felt by the speaker and their peers during a time of war. This quote comes from the novel "A Separate Peace," which is set against the backdrop of World War II and explores the experiences of a group of young boys at a boarding school.

The quote captures a moment of reflection on the part of the speaker, who is looking back on their youth and recognizing the contrast between their own behavior and the behavior of previous generations of young men during wartime. The speaker acknowledges that, despite the temptations and pressures of the time, they and their peers chose to prioritize their academic responsibilities and maintain a sense of maturity and responsibility.

John Knowles' use of the phrase "surprisingly responsible" suggests that the speaker and their peers were somewhat taken aback by their own behavior, perhaps feeling a sense of pride in their ability to uphold their duties in the midst of a global conflict. This reflection on their own maturity and responsibility serves to highlight the internal struggles and growth that the characters undergo throughout the novel.

The quote also serves to underscore the broader themes of duty, honor, and the loss of innocence that permeate "A Separate Peace." The novel delves into the complexities of friendship, jealousy, and the impact of external events on the internal lives of its characters. The backdrop of World War II provides a powerful and evocative setting for exploring these themes, as the characters grapple with the looming specter of war and its implications for their own lives and futures.

In a broader historical context, the quote also speaks to the shifting attitudes and experiences of young people during times of war. The speaker's observation that previous generations of boys had "gone off to raise hell or enlist or both" reflects a recognition of the societal expectations and norms that have evolved over time. The novel portrays a generation of young men who, despite the challenges and disruptions of wartime, are compelled to navigate their own paths with a sense of responsibility and maturity.

Overall, John Knowles' quote encapsulates the themes of duty, responsibility, and the complexities of youth during a time of war. It offers insight into the internal struggles and growth of the characters in "A Separate Peace" and invites reflection on the experiences of young people during historical periods of conflict. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and maturity that can emerge in the face of adversity, and it resonates with readers as a timeless exploration of the human experience.