The Loss of Innocence in Timothy Findlay’s Novel “The Wars”

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Robert and the Rabbits
Robert and Rodwell
Robert and Horses
Conclusion

Introduction

The success and happiness of each person depend primarily on the reaction to life’s difficulties. Hardships are bound to happen in everyone’s life, and they certainly affect the formation of a personality. The notions of destructive and constructive difficulties are based on the changeability of the subject who encountered them because everyone chooses to deal with obstacles independently. As one chooses a path through adversity, the questions stands whether one can maintain innocence even in the most challenging times. Timothy Findlay’s novel The Wars is a prime example of human innocence and personal transformation in adversity. The events of 1914-1918 represent, as the novel’s author believes, a prototype of the future cataclysms and changes of the twentieth century. In times of adversity, the individual must remain faithful to their ideals of life to ensure they do not become an instrument of society’s evil will.

Robert and the Rabbits

The Wars follows the story of a soldier named Robert Ross during World War I, whose fate is an example of how one can lose their innocence to the war. Through the character of Ross, the novel explores the ways in which adversity can shape and change an individual’s identity. In particular, the existence and lives of animals are used to reveal and juxtapose Robert’s personality. Robert’s deep connection, which parallels and reveals his individuality, can be seen through rabbits. For the hero, these living creatures symbolize morality and the abandonment of his faith in humanity. In particular, the rabbits remind him of his beloved younger sister, Rowena, who embodies innocence. Their company brings back memories of a greater sense of morality, values he cannot find among his fellow soldiers.

However, as Robert is sent off to war, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the world and is no longer able to maintain his sense of innocence. The eventual fate of the rabbits serves as a metaphor for Robert’s character, as their deaths reflect the loss of Robert’s own moral values and the abandonment of his faith in humanity. Despite his deep connection to the rabbits and his desire to protect them, Robert is ultimately unable to prevent their demise, just as he is unable to prevent the loss of his own innocence. The rabbits thus foreshadow the transformation of Robert’s character and the ways in which adversity shapes his identity.

Robert and Rodwell

It is necessary to discuss in more detail the character of Rodwell. In The Wars, Rodwell’s image is the most similar to Rowena’s, for they both embody innocence in a world of violence. Rodwell loves his animals above all else, and they are no less important to him than his fellow soldiers. Moreover, he is the only character who can be called selfless. Unlike Robert, Rodwell can protect his good and innocent nature in all this chaos. Even one of his last wishes is selfless and innocent, as he asks Robert to free his toad and ensure its survival.

The theme of adversity shaping identity is tragically shown in the character of Rodwell. It is essential to note that the inhumane environment created by war is completely at odds with Rodwell’s nature. Although Rodwell strives to stay faithful to his beliefs and values, the war eventually triumphs his will. This ruthless killing machine brings despair and death to Rodwell’s surroundings. The senseless torture and murder of rats and an innocent cat is the last straw that causes his complete mental collapse, breakdown, and suicide.

Furthermore, Rodwell’s bitter fate is a turning point for Robert’s character, signaling the protagonist’s loss of innocence. The friendship that Robert and Rodwell shared causes the latter’s death to greatly influence Robert. The loss of a cherished friend is another way in which war has shaped Robert’s identity and transformed him. In other words, the loss of Rodwell serves as a pivotal moment in the story and plays a role in shaping Robert’s character development.

Robert and Horses

In The Wars, adversity and the violence of war shape the main character’s identity and force him to confront the harsh realities of the world. As a soldier, Robert is faced with moral atrocities that tarnish his former notions of right and wrong and cause him to lose his innocence. One example of this is when Robert is forced to shoot an injured horse on the journey from Canada to England, an act that marks the beginning of his descent into lost innocence. This passage is ironic because Robert had previously been distressed by the killing of his sister’s rabbits, but now he is made to commit a similar act. The violence of war also leads Robert to lose his moral innocence, as he is forced to make difficult decisions that go against his own moral code.

In the novel, horses have become a symbolic characteristic for soldiers like Robert, who were treated as subhuman. While sailing on the ship, it could be seen that the men had their privacy stripped away and were nothing more than animals. Therefore, Robert fights for the animals to the last, and when he tries to free the horses from the burning barn, he is trapped. Putting aside the fact that he is almost faced with death and the result of freeing the horses when offered a way out of life and pain, he refuses to accept it. Robert, subjected to the horrors of war and traumatic rape by his fellow Canadian soldiers, begins to appreciate dehumanization, seeing humans as the real savages. Throughout his life, Roberts faces many hardships due to betrayal, despair, and tragedy, and meets an early end at the age of twenty-five. Such was the tragic impact of the war on Robert’s life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Wars” is a novel that explores the ways in which adversity can shape and change an individual’s identity. Through the character of Robert Ross, the novel examines the impact of war on a person’s sense of morality and values. The existence and lives of animals, such as rabbits and horses, are used to reveal and contrast Robert’s personality and the changes he undergoes as a result of the violence of war. The loss of his friend Rodwell and the forced shooting of an injured horse are just a few examples of the difficulties that Robert faces, and they serve as turning points in his character development. Ultimately, “The Wars” shows how adversity can shape an individual’s identity and how one’s reaction to hardship can determine their life, and serves as a cautionary tale. Robert’s terrible life is a testament to the horrors of the war and how they can transform even a character with pure intentions, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s self.

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The Loss of Innocence in Timothy Findlay’s Novel “The Wars”

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