Mother/Son Relationships

           In a typical household in Canada, there is a definite bond between mother and son. Although, sometimes this bond may slowly drift apart with age, there is always some kind of connection between mother and son under any circumstance. In The Wars, this typical mother/son relationship seizes to exist. Throughout the first quarter of the novel, you get a good feel for Robert’s family and how one another is bonded to him. Robert’s mother seems to be an alcoholic and that factor really separates her from her children. It seems that at a younger age, Robert did have a close relationship with his mother, but as he grew older and many new factors come into play, he drifted from her companionship. There is a love/hate relationship floating amongst Robert and his mother. The catalyst of the turning point in their relationship was when Rowena died. Rowena was closest to Robert, almost like a father to her. He was always by her side and when she died, Robert was a mess. Robert was mourning Rowena's death and at the same time, his mother was very hard on him and pushed Robert away and to his limits where he couldn’t handle her anymore. Their relationship kind of ended at this point of the novel. His mother was harsh on him at his time of mourning and tried to make him kill Rowena’s rabbits. Of course, Robert did not proceed with the deed, and his mother hired a man to kill them, which even made Robert more angry and frustrated. Mrs. Ross took it to the final level where she made critical remarks of the death in their family by saying such things like,

“Funny, she said, how most people fall down and nothing happens. Some people bruise like apples. But most people – nothing! Yes. While others die “(Findley 23)

This remark reminded Robert of how Rowena died and how soon it was too. She had died only days prior and his mother said such remarks of distaste and ignorance. Robert’s mother pushed him to the last straw and the next day, before everyone woke, Robert left and enrolled in the army without even saying goodbye. What was left of the little relationship Robert did have with his mother, is now shattered and left behind in memories. My predictions for later on in the book are that Robert will rejoice with his mother after the war and hopefully will forgive each other for the sake of the family. Robert probably had a fair relationship with his mother, but because of her alcohol problem and these circumstances, crushed whatever was left of it.  

This picture above me shows the Mother throwing the relationship in the garbage, which in this case it's true. It depends on how you look at it. Robert could be throwing the relation out because he left for the army without settling the problem. On the other hand, it could easily be Mrs. Ross' fault for pushing and being hurtful to Robert. Just something to ponder on.