Here's how his private school experience influenced him:
* The Setting and Atmosphere of *A Separate Peace*: The novel's Devon School is clearly based on Exeter. The idyllic yet subtly competitive environment, the close-knit community of boarding school boys, the intense friendships and rivalries, and the beautiful New England setting all directly reflect Knowles's own experiences. The hierarchical structure of the school and the pressures to conform are also mirrored in the novel.
* The Themes of Innocence and Loss: Exeter, with its focus on academic achievement and social standing, likely contributed to Knowles's exploration of the loss of innocence and the complexities of male friendship during adolescence. The pressures and tensions inherent in such an environment provided rich material for his exploration of these themes.
* Development of His Writing Style: The rigorous academic environment of Exeter probably fostered his literary skills and instilled in him a precision and clarity of expression evident in his writing.
* Character Development: While not directly autobiographical, the characters in *A Separate Peace* exhibit traits and dynamics that likely draw upon Knowles's observations of his peers and relationships during his time at Exeter. The characters' internal conflicts and struggles reflect the challenges and pressures faced by students in a competitive private school setting.
It's important to note that Knowles didn't explicitly tie his novel directly to his experiences at Exeter in his interviews or writings. However, the striking similarities between Devon School and Phillips Exeter Academy strongly suggest that his private school education served as a crucial foundation for his literary achievements, providing both the setting and the thematic inspiration for his most celebrated work.