The Wars by Timothy Findley

... and the meanings Timothy Findley is trying to proclaim. To best understand Robert's relationship with his mother Mrs. Ross, one must look at their relationship from the perspective of Mrs. Ross. It is her interpretations and ensuing reactions to the tragic events of the novel that reveal the most to the reader about Robert's relationship with her. Mrs. Ross is portrayed as an adamant woman in the beginning of The Wars ... died and that Robert has chosen to condemn himself to death, however, this also reveals much about her relationship with Robert. In addition, Robert's decision to enlis...

• Word Count: 2775
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... , with his hands dangling down-fingertips brushing the raw blades of grass. The sun was shining on his face. The wonder and terror of nature are expressed in dissimilar ways in The Wars and in "Exposure", but a similar message is relayed. War destroys nature. To summarize, the literary works The Wars by Timothy Findley and "Exposure" by Wilfred Owen each explore the psychological trauma, the physical violence and the environmental destruction of war. Their approaches ... to each of these concepts may be in slight contrast to one another, but there remains a direct parallel between the tw...

• Word Count: 1551
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography

... brought to life in the present, through emotions which are timeless, and can be understood and experienced by both historical characters and present-day people. In the historical novel, The Wars, author Timothy Findley makes the reader aware that the reading and writing of history needs active involvement on the part of the reader and writer. Findley emphasizes that in order for the reader to understand the historical elements of the novel, there must be ... a connection of emotions between the characters in his novel, and the emotions of the reader in ... ...

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

The Contrasting Symbolisms in The Wars Although The Wars by Timothy Findley is not a very long novel, it packs a punch. The major reason for this so-called punch is not because of the plot line, but because of the imagery in the novel that brings it to life. This gives the novel a meaning that is found on a deeper level, giving an opinion as to what the war brings. The imagery is symbolic of the death, despair and ... path, and it was through this recurring theme that Findley was able to bring the book about full circle from the prologue to the ending, tying the story together with an elabora...

• Word Count: 879
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... theme as "a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern." Themes help to enhance characters, their relationships, and the overall meaning of the novel. In the novel, The Wars by Timothy Findley, there are a numerous amount of underlying themes on pages one eighty-six to the end of the novel that will be explored. He made a fist around his penis. He thought how small it was. He felt - all at once ... hero, tried to take his life when he was suffering. Making Robert a true hero because a hero endures to the end and that is what Robert did. (172-173) Themes help to enhance...

• Word Count: 1284
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

The Wars, by Timothy Findley, has numerous symbols and images. However, the symbolism of the four natural elements is very pervasive and effective. Findley uses the symbols of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire in two ways: benevolent and harmful. Findley explicitly conveys the message that a war perverts Nature. Findley gives a good description of "the mud", symbolizing its harshness and hostile nature by giving it "colour of steel."(p.76) The erosion of the topsoil indicates no growth and ... , "It was an image clear and definite as the words themselves: two tiny bottles poised side by side. Crysta...

• Word Count: 1397
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... topic among many Hollywood movies. In real life this road to redemption is not as glamorous and fairytale-like as it is made out to be on the big screen. In the novel The Wars, the author, Timothy Findley develops the idea that an individual such as Robert Ross, who is guilt-ridden, attempts to atone for his past through his present actions. He shows this through Robert ... , he sees a chance to redeem his past mistake. With so much loss and tragedy on the battlefields, Robert presumes that if he saves a life in the war that it will help him relieve the guilt he feels. The way he achieve...

• Word Count: 1236
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... imagery in Timothy Findley's book The Wars is used to develop characterization and theme. The protagonist, Robert Ross, has a deep connection with animals that reflects his personality and the situations that he faces. This link between Robert and the animals shows the reader that human nature is not much different than animal nature. The animals in this story are closely related to the characters, especially the character of Robert. Rodwell acknowledges ... its paws no matter what". It is an "image of serenity amidst holocaust" (Klovan, 63). The pure white cat, symbolizing innocence an...

• Word Count: 1801
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... corruption and hatred, while innocence and purity is rejected. In Timothy Findley's "The Wars" Robert was ignorant to the reality and hatred of the world. The war opened his eyes and intern corrupted him, ironically helping him fit better into society. Robert Ross was born into a rich family, in a great big house with a white picket fence. The reason for Robert's innocence was perhaps his seemingly ideal surroundings. Maybe ... was surrounded by peace without any conflict. Mrs. Ross defines conflict, or in Robert's case the war. At home his mother's drinking was the only problem Robert ...

• Word Count: 627
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School