Character Development (Before)

These next few posts are solely based on the character development of Robert Ross before, during, and the end of war to track how the war has changed Robert mentally. The next few examples are based on the love Robert had for animals and how through the war, has changed Robert mentally. Throughout the novel, Findley focuses a great deal of effort on how the affects of war can greatly cause insanity of the mind, seen through the character development of the protagonist, Robert Ross. As the character of Robert develops throughout the novel, there are signs that show Robert’s mind is slowly taking effect to the chaos of war surrounding him, leading to the potential of insanity expressed in the end stages of the war.

Before the war, Robert grew up where he adopted many good morals and values in his childhood. He had always had a passion for animals, being surrounded by them since a small child. Everything living had a certain value of innocence to Robert and cherished living things as long as he lived. After the passing of his beloved sister Rowena, Robert felt crushed and guilty that he could not save his sister from death. He was like a guardian to her before she passed, looking after her, amusing her by playing and caring for her rabbits every afternoon. After she passed away, all that Robert had left of her was her 10 or so rabbits that they connected with. Robert’s mother insisted that the rabbits be destroyed on the same day of Rowena’s funeral. She made it clear that the deed had to be completed by Robert in her discussion with Mr. Ross.

 “The rabbits had to die- and Robert had to do it. Mister Ross was inclined to be more lenient. Surely the rabbits could be killed somewhere else, he said. Maybe the butcher would want them. No, Robert’s mother said. It must be here and he must do it. ‘Why?’ ‘BECAUSE HE LOVED HER.’” (Findley 19)

Robert, being the sensitive young man he is, refused to kill the rabbits. He would never hurt an innocent animal and more importantly kill the last of the symbolic relationship left of Rowena. This is why Mrs. Ross hired a man by the name of Teddy Bulge, a man with no remorse, to assassinate the rabbits. Robert tried to stop the proceeding, but ended up getting beaten. This quote shows Robert before the war and how passionate he was toward all living things. On the other hand, it also shows a sign of weakness in Robert, not being able to withstand his morals and kill some rabbits. Findley portrays Robert as a sensitive, passionate young man in the beginning of the novel, which as the novel progresses shows signs that the war has changed Robert’s mentality in many ways pertaining to the lives of animals.