... on a metaphoric level. The Wars is often given credit for being a novel, not only of war, but of mythology. The story's protagonist, Robert Ross, is occasionally referred to as a knight in shining armour, and his experiences during the war are often considered as his journey. In The Wars, fire ... gives mythological references a sound base. "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 resti...

• Word Count: 1291
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... active in the reading of his novel. He does this by giving the reader the role of the researcher who must gather information on the main character, Robert Ross. He addresses the researcher as "You", which is a way for Findley to directly speak to his reader. The reason Findley uses this unique style ... the novel might serve to teach the reader about World War I, the novel is not about World War I. The novel is simply about the story of Robert Ross. This character and his story take place in World War I, but it is still the character's story that is the fundamental element of the novel. ...

• Word Count: 1374
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... Because of this, the war of technology against nature is described. Another war, not as obvious as the first, is the inner struggle of main character Robert Ross to become a natural person and cope with all the changes his life as a soldier has created within him. This inner struggle leads us to the ... way of being by the use of war machinery. A shift in the novel focuses the reader's attention on the second metaphoric war, the struggle within Robert. Robert is a solitary man in the process of self discovery. He uses his participation in the war as a crutch, to escape his difficult past...

• Word Count: 844
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School