In ancient Greek civilization, a theory was constructed which proposed that everything on earth was made up of the four natural elements: earth, water, air and fire, which work simultaneously to create one united universe (Hebert). The symbolism concerning the natural elements plays a significant role within Timothy Findley’s The Wars, as he demonstrates an evolution of the archetypal symbolic nature of the elements. In this novel, a young Canadian troop by the name of Robert Ross is being studied by a researcher after his notable death. The novel entails that the reader follows him through his journey in the war and provides a personal opinion on his experiences throughout. Robert Ross, the protagonist of the story, is also seen as a character …show more content…
The symbolism of the elements in the beginning of the novel is true to its archetypical nature, as Findley demonstrates the elements as being symbolic of life and hope. In the opening passages of the novel, before Robert departs for the war, the elements are depicted to the reader in their positive form. As an example, when Robert stands at the train station, he contemplates if he should enrol into the war. He pictures “the melting snow [that] began to turn to mist, [it] was filled with rabbits and Rowena...and the whole of his past life” (Findley 18). !!!!!!!!!!!! Another symbolic depiction which exemplifies the use of the natural elements to represent life is when Robert bathes, using the water from his bath to “soothe his aches and bruises” (Findley 23) from his fight with Teddy Budge. As water is shown in this scene as a method of healing, it is representative of purifying the aches which Robert received. Also, Robert Ross’s physical and familial traits give him an image within his society. Those around him see Ross as being “a fine catch for any girl”, as he was “a scholar and an athlete” and he also “had money” (Findley 13). This shows that Robert is a young male in a society in which he can persevere into becoming a successful man, as he possess with not only talent and intelligence, but also the means …show more content…
Robert’s similar shift in his time at war continues his parallel transformation with those of the elements, as Robert starts to symbolize death. A major reinterpretation of elemental symbolism due to the war is that of mud. During the first few chapters of the novel which take place in the war, mud is described in it’s “horrifying form” (York 2). Mud has been covered into a fatal attribute, instead of its conventional symbolic meaning of life. It is described as “the colour of steel” (York 2) and as having a “stank of sulphur and chlorine” (York 3). Earth is represented in a corrupt form due to the effects of the war. Similarly, towards the same section of the novel, we begin to see a parallel transformation to that of Robert Ross’s character. The first evidence of this transformation, due to the violent forces around him, is Robert’s abrupt decision to kill the innocent German soldier. Findley describes this as “he fell. He turned. He saw the German reaching over the lip of the crater. Something exploded” (Findley 132). The way in which Findley portrays Rober’s action is as if he was unaware of what he had done. His subconscious reaction was to kill the german soldier. This can be contrasted with Robert’s reaction prior to the incident. His action shocks him and after he realizes what he has done he, “[sits] with his head