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How Does Robert Lose Innocence

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Robert loses innocence through the death of his sister, Rowena. Since Robert and his sister are intertwined through Robert’s role as a guardian and Rowena’s role as the one being protected, there is a comparison between “Robert and Rowena – rabbits and wheelchairs – children, dogs and horses” with Rowena being the innocent animal, the child, and Robert being the protector (Findley, 7). Robert’s connection with animals allows readers to reflect on the shift in his mindset, especially by witnessing the deaths of different animals. Rowena’s death symbolizes the right of passage from Robert as he is coming of age, revealing the harsh reality of life. Consequently, Robert tries to save the innocent, small rabbits, in hopes of staying connected with Rowena; but, again …show more content…
Later in the novel, horses seem to act as Roberts companions in war throughout his archetypal journey, they become his protectors. While sailing the S.S Masanabie, Robert is given the task to kill an injured horse. Although it was done out of mercy, Robert loses all control, “[h]e began to squeeze the trigger and he squeezed it again and again and again – so many times that when the Sergeant – Major pulled him away the gun went right on clicking in his hands” (Findley, 61). When Robert shoots the horse, there is a change in perception as he no longer exemplifies a vulnerable nineteen-year-old boy, but in fact, shares characteristics of a ruthless soldier. Relating back to the incident with the rabbits, Robert has crossed a threshold that stops him from hurting the lives of animals, to losing all innocence and not being able to control himself. This shows that not only does Robert have to see death in order to lose his innocence, but also comes to the realization that he must participate in the act of killing in order to

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