The Wars Animal Imagery

700 Words3 Pages
The Wars, by Timothy Finley, has many scenes where animals are very significant to Robert Ross. Whether they are a spirit guide, someone to talk to, or foreshadowing a tragedy, all the animals played a significant role. Throughout the novel, The Wars, Robert has a strong connection with animals. He has this connection because they listen to his problems, without contradiction or opinion, compared to men who are insane. Because Robert has a strong connection with animals, he was unable to save the humans in the war, so he saves the animals from death. Roberts connection with animals is first seen when he runs with a coyote. In military training, he went for a run, where he saw a coyote running. He followed the coyote, and he noticed the coyote did not attack any other animals. This was Roberts way of connecting with animals. The coyote finally stops at a gorge for a drink and communicates with Robert. ...it looked directly at him- right at Robert, with its tail slightly lowered- and barked...The coyote has knew he was there the whole time: maybe the whole of their run across the prairie. Now it was telling Robert the wally was vacant: safe- and that Robert could proceed to the water’s edge to drink. (pg 27) Robert sees the coyote as a spirit guide and as a hunter. He notices that the coyote does not kill any animals, and only kills them when he needs to for survival. The coyote realizes that Robert had a strong connection with animals and he did not see him as a threat, but rather a companion. This was Roberts way of communicating and connecting with animals. Robert has a strong connection with animals throughout the book. When on a ship, he stays with the horses, instead of humans.When on the ship, Captain Orde tells him to kill a horse with a broken leg. Robert stepped aside and stood more or less at attention. He took his aim. His arm wavered. His
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