One With the Animals: Symbolism of the Animals in The Wars

1137 Words3 Pages

Animals come to represent, both purity and the relationship human beings have with the world. Animals play a key role in Timothy Findley’s novel, The Wars, whether it's for the interference, necessity, affection or compassion towards the characters. In The Wars, several characters share this close bond with the animals, that serve to emphasize the different qualities of each character’s personality. The animals connect with the main character, Robert Ross, in ways that reflect his uncommon character and the obstacles that he faces throughout the war. Robert enlists into the army as a Canadian soldier, shortly after the tragic death of his younger sister, Rowena. Throughout the novel, Robert grows a connection with the soldiers in the dugout and to several animals he meets along his journey. Many of the characters highlighted by Timothy Findley, have a deep respect and admiration for the natural world, despite having the setting taken place during the war. Yet it is between all, Robert Ross feels the greatest reverence and appreciation for the animals. The link between Robert Ross and the animals such as, rabbits, horses, coyotes and birds, shows the reader that human nature is not much different from animal’s nature. Robert shares a special relationship and bond with animals, in particular rabbits. The rabbits are a symbol of Rowena, not only because they were her prize possession, but also because the rabbits remind Robert of his younger sister. Both Rowena and the rabbits are characters of innocence and purity. Being considered as small, fragile and precious to those who love and look after them. Findley uses the rabbits to evoke feelings of guilt from Robert, during the constant appearances in the novel. When Rowena dies, R... ... middle of paper ... ...n rabbits, Robert’s sense of protection is perceived in the presence of birds and his wild edge is from the coyote. This is an indication that animals and human beings are essentially one being, struggling for survival within a harsh world. Works Cited Reynolds, Ann. "The Wars." Masterplots II: British & Commonwealth Fiction Series (1987): 1-4. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. Sanderson, Heather. "Robert And Taffler: Homosexuality And The Discourse Of Gender In Timothy Findley's The Wars." Textual Studies In Canada 8 (1996): 82-95. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. Kich, Martin. "The Wars." Cyclopedia Of Literary Characters, Revised Third Edition (1998): 1. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. YORK, LORRAINE. "Wars, The (1977)." Oxford Companion To Canadian Literature (1997): 1168. Literary Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2014.

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