Phineas was angry with Brinker at the assembly room because Brinker accused him of causing Finny's fall from the tree, leading to Finny's injury. Phineas felt betrayed by Brinker's insinuation and believed that Brinker was trying to hurt him by suggesting he was responsible for the accident.
Brinker takes Phineas and Gene to the assembly room in order to confront them about the incident at the tree that led to Finny's injury. He wants to get to the truth of what really happened and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The accident at the tree (apex)
In A Separate Peace, Phineas falls down the stairs after the questioning in the Assembly Room.
Brinker barges into Finny and Gene's room after campus hours and forces them to go with him. He brings them to the assembly room that he was able to open using the keys he had from the school. Deuces, I'm out.
Brinker summons Gene and Finny to the assembly room to question them about the incident where Finny fell from the tree. He wants to investigate what really happened and hold someone accountable for the accident.
Brinker calls Gene to the Assembly Room to question him about the incident, suspecting foul play in Finny's fall. Brinker wants to uncover the truth behind what happened for the sake of clarity and justice. This event marks a turning point in the novel, leading to the revelation of the complexities of friendship and betrayal.
Phineas appears confident and composed during the questioning in the Assembly Room. He remains calm and collected, providing clear and thoughtful responses to the inquiries directed at him. Additionally, he demonstrates a strong sense of integrity and conviction in his beliefs, which is evident in his unwavering defense of his actions.
Brinker asks Leper to describe the ski trip to the beaver dam that caused Gene to have an emotional breakdown. He wants to hear Leper's perspective on what happened to better understand the events leading up to that moment.
In the book "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles, Brinker Hadley introduces the idea of facing reality and accepting the consequences of one's actions. He represents the pragmatic and authoritative side of the boys' world at Devon School. Brinker also symbolizes the loss of innocence and the transition into adulthood for the main character, Gene.
When Gene arrives in the Butt Room, Brinker announces that he's been waiting for him, ready to interrogate him about what happened the night of Finny's fall. Brinker also hints at uncovering the truth behind the incident and is determined to get to the bottom of the matter.
The green room is the Assembly room.