The symbolisim of Animals Throughout the Novel

                                           "The Wars"

                                                             (1)

                                          The Symbolism of Animals 

Throughout the novel "The Wars" by Timothy Findley, animals constantly appear throughout many scenes. The animals, act as a symbol to reflect Roberts personality as well as present the mood and the faults of war.

1:"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." 
                                                                                                    -Mark Twain 

2: "You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals." 

                                                                                                   -Paul McCartney

Both quotes listed convey Findley's message throughout the entire book. As the book progresses, the reader learns more and more of Roberts hatred towards war, despite being in the Canadian army. The reader also learns how Robert despises how humans act throughout war.

 As a result of both these factors, Robert shows most, if not all his affection towards all types of animals. Robert feels more comfortable with animals then humans. He feels they don't judge him and they accept him for who he is. Many situations throughout the book, like robert getting raped and also Rowena's strong relationship with animals, make it easy for Robert to have relationships with animals and be pushed away from other humans. 

Michael Jackson: Ben

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g40WCBaUXR4

In this song, Michael Jackson is writing about the strong connection he had with his mouse at a young age. Jackson discusses the ideas in his song about the relationship they had and the harsh realities they had to go through together. Just like in the novel "The Wars", animals are used to comfort Robert and provide him with good and bad signs.

 The animals are their to serve as his friends. Something Robert can relate and have a strong connection with, even in the harshest of times. (War). Also, the animals for Robert can act as a reminder of his late sister Rowena who loved animals. Both Rowena and Robert had a great relationship together through the love and compassion of all animals.

Both these photos were taken in the time of WWI. Both of these photos demonstrate the connection between animal and soldier. The photo on the left shows a soldier sleeping with his dog in the worst of conditions.The photo on the right shows a soldier on guard, wearing a gas mask along with his 2 dogs that are protecting him that are also wearing gas masks, in what looks like terrible conditions. Through these photos the reader can understand why Robert had such a connection and love to animals. Robert loved animals more then humans. He felt that humans were cruel and animals except everyone.  In addition, even though the setting and mood of both these photos look dark and depressing, both soldiers feel comfortable with their animals in their surroundings, just like Robert felt before he died.

I felt that this last photo was important because I strongly believe that this last photo describes the outlook on animals in the eyes of soldiers during WW1. In this photo their are many dead horses along with many dead soldiers on a battlefield in no mans land. In the novel, Findley often stresses through animals how war is stupid and inglorious. 

This photo demonstrates Findley's point. In the novel, animals were very mistreated which resulted in Robert taking action at the end of the book to save hundreds of horses. In doing this, Robert killed his own soldiers due to the fact that he hated the how human race behaved.