"Earth and Air and Fire and Water" is the inscription found on the grave stone of Robert Ross (page 190). As the novel ends with Robert Ross' passing on, these words attempt to sum up his life. This inscription not only signifies the protagonist resting place, but also gives a final clue to the hidden myth. Not only are these the four basic elements, but also the four stages in the 'trials' of a hero. In order to earn his status as a hero along with the admiration and attention of others, Robert had to ascend these hurdles. After passing his final and toughest ordeal, with fire, he will forever hold this status.

Traditionally in a myth of this nature, Earth and Air would be considered man's natural elements, whereas fire and wa

During the novel their are many descriptions of fire used as torture as well as a way to kill people or animals without using up ammunition. Ammunition was something that couldn't be wasted. " Drums and tanks of gasoline spilled to the stones and spread through the town in rivers of fire. Men, machines and houses went up like torches. It became a holocaust" (page 181). This was torture, however so was the war. Men in the war were uncertain of life or if their lives would last through the war. They all thought of the possibility of death and a quick painless death was ideal. Being burnt alive would be one of the worst ways to die possible. Robert is burnt in The Wars, however he dose not die until a few years later. The damage that Robert goes through is unthinkable: "according to the medical testimony, their was virtually no hope that he would be able to walk or see or be capable of judgement again" (page 189). Robert was burned in a barn full of horses. He was trying to save the horses from death. In the novel he also tries to save his sister's rabbits after she dies. When he is in the barn Mickel another officer is trying to coax Robert into leaving the barn and the horses. Robert was rebelling against his orders, and Mickel used fire to make Robert leave. He did not realize that the horses and Robert were also going to catch on fire. In the end the horses didn't make it out alive and it was said that "Robert was consumed by fire" (page 9).

The theme of fire in the novel The Wars is important when discussing the character of Robert Ross. In the novel there are references to fire from different characters. For example Marian Turner said, " Fire......you know their is nothing worse than fire" (page 16). She is referring to the war and the use of fire in the war. She was also a friend of Robert Ross's and she witnessed the scars that Robert was left with after being in a fire.

Fire is also commonly

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