Timothy Findley Loneliness

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The Disconcerting Truth of War “Distance was safety. Space was asylum,” (32). Findley exhibits that war is a mirror into the world of loneliness and depression. Life, love and death are a continuous cycle saddened by loss. Loneliness, like many other misleading emotions can lead to insanity. The soldiers in The Wars are given time to think, to regret, to feel guilty and ultimately succumbed to the emotions of anguish. Timothy Findley demonstrates that the loneliness of war has the potential to result in depression and eventual insanity. Through careful analysis of Timothy Findley’s The Wars, it will become evident that depression, loneliness and insanity are not just emotions felt on the front line, but also at home. By the thorough…show more content…
Ross still exhibits loneliness and depression. She is battling her own demons that she is succumbing to. “Mister and Mrs. Ross fell silent. They loved their children-all of them,” (15). A mother’s role is “sacred”. She is the guardian, nurturer and caregiver for her family. Rowena’s death is a trivial moment for Mrs. Ross. “Mrs. Ross began to seek out storms,” (151). All of her fears and regrets seem to follow her like a dark cloud. She was a mere shadow of her past self. She faded in and out of her family’s life leaving pain and sadness. “Robert looked at his mother’s face. Her mouth was set. She stood apart-refusing to be touched or supported,” (18). While Mrs. Ross is trying to save others, she is losing herself in the process. Society dictates Mrs. Ross’ life. Her daughter is never seen because of her Hydrocephalic disability. She is hidden from society’s judgemental gazes. Looking at Robert, Mrs. Ross feels guilt and regret which creates a tense relationship with Robert. “I’m not responsible. I’m just another stranger. Birth I can give you-but life I cannot. I can’t keep anyone alive anymore,” (23). When Mrs. Ross was younger, she was a very free- spirited and independent woman. As…show more content…
War is a foreign aspect for a child. Robert is a sensitive child, living and fighting a man’s game. War is senseless killing. Surely he has seen the propaganda, but the truth was revealed in action. In many scenes of the story, several characters are searching for heroes. “What he wanted was a model. Someone who could teach him by example, how to kill,” (24). Robert is resilient and strong, but he is not emotionally prepared for war. His enrolment in the war is due to his guilt over Rowena’s death and his need for independence. After Rowena’s death, Robert was burdened with feeling of guilt and grief that he was not able to protect his sister. “It was Robert’s fault. Robert was her guardian and he was locked in his bedroom. Making love to his pillows,” (15). Life in war is lonely. Losing one’s sanity is easy and a frequent occurrence in war. Robert is longing for normalcy and seeing his father gives him a sense of protection. His father brought back memories of a world he believed he’d lost. “Anyway, the sight of his father had lifted his spirits immeasurably. And the feel of his father’s hand on his arm had brought him back into a world he thought he’d lost,” (50). Being away from one’s natural, comfortable environment and loved ones can create feelings of loneliness. Soldiers must forge friendships to create loyalty and trust. The expectations of soldiers are unreasonable.
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