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Timothy Findley’s novel The Wars, offers a new perspective on the realities of World War I. Unlike other historical fictions, which use an abundance of historical fact, this novel instead reveals the personal story of a nineteen-year-old Canadian, Robert Ross. ... One of these is the use of natural imagery or symbolism. There is an obvious strong connection of the protagonist to the natural world, in which he often finds comfort, security, and a sense of belonging more so even than with his family. ... These beauties do not cease admiration from man because they are natural, inherent, untouched. ... Chlorine and phosgene were currently both in use…the smell was unnerving” (Findley 79). ... Findley continues to use ugly vocabulary to depict the corruption of the earth because of the war. ... Findley uses a lot of water imagery to contrast its cleaning, purifying, life giving provisions with its deadly capacities. ...
The use of fire imagery is very important in Findley’s novel. ... He recognizes how industrialized the world is becoming and it threatens the natural world he greatly loves. ... (Findley 147- 148)
This fire weapon not only destroyed human beings, it also tore apart the natural world! The use of this fire for evil purposes devastates what it inherently good in the world—namely the earth, wind, water, and above all fire. ...
Finally the last natural element Timothy Findley uses to symbolize the corruption of nature’s purity is air. ... For instance, the use of mustard gas during the war causes snowflakes to take on its taste (Findley 91). ... Again the use of gross words is necessary in communicating the casualties of the toxic air. ... It is yet another man made object to pollute the natural world. ... This idea is significant as it coincides with the very last line of this novel, which has to do with being able to see one’s breath—a sign of life or of being alive. ... His use of the symbolic natural elements of earth, fire, air, and water is consistent to describe all that he believes to be good and lovely and how it becomes tainted in this war. The reader follows, as Robert Ross’ strong connections to the natural world grow bittersweet during the war. For while water still cleanses, air still gives breath, fire still allows comfort, and earth still provides shelters, each of these also have the ability to cause death when used for the tragic purposes of humanity in the context of this pointless War that will End all Wars.
Approximate Word count = 2232
Approximate Pages = 8.9
(250 words per page double spaced)
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