The novel The Wars by Timothy Findley explores the idea that adversity plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s identity. This is particularly evident in the character of Robert Ross, who is faced with numerous challenges and hardships throughout the novel that ultimately shape him as a person. One of the main ways in which adversity shapes Robert’s identity is through his experiences in World War I. Robert enlists in the war believing that it will be a noble and heroic endeavor, but he quickly discovers that the reality of war is far different from what he had imagined (Findley, 2018). The horrors and atrocities that he witnesses, as well as the physical and emotional injuries impact him profoundly. They cause him to question his beliefs and values and ultimately lead him to reject the idea of war and violence as a means of resolving conflicts.
A possible thesis for an essay on this topic could be: “In ‘The Wars,’ Timothy Findley suggests that adversity plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s identity, as it forces the person to confront their beliefs and values and to find new ways of understanding the world and themselves.” (Findley, 2018). This thesis could be supported by discussing specific examples from the novel of how Robert’s experiences of adversity shape his identity, as well as by examining the ways in which other characters in the book are also affected by adversity. Mostly it is connected with the changes of the character, that are described in the second part of the novel. Those changes create a new person even though it may seem impossible.
Another way adversity shapes Robert’s identity is through his relationships with other characters in the novel. One of the most significant of these is his relationship with his sister, Rowena, who has a mental illness. Robert’s love and devotion to Rowena, as well as his sense of responsibility for her, are significant forces in shaping his identity (Findley, 2018). He becomes determined to protect and care for her, even at the expense of his own well-being. It is presented in the situation in which Robert looks for Rowena and makes it his aim for the nearest future (Findley, 2018). Another meaningful relationship that shapes Robert’s identity is his friendship with Elizabeth, a nurse who is serves in the war.
Elizabeth represents a source of strength and support for Robert, and their bond helps him to find the courage and resilience to keep going despite the difficulties he faces. Overall, the adversity that Robert experiences in The Wars serves to challenge and transform his identity. Through his experiences in the war and his relationships with other characters, he is forced to confront his own beliefs and values and find new ways of understanding the world and his place in it. This process of growth and self-discovery ultimately leads him to become a more empathetic, compassionate, and courageous individual who is able to find meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of great adversity. This idea is mainly presented in the part, when he judges about himself and thinks of the life he spent (Findley, 2018). It becomes evident for Robert that his life needed to be changed and improved in the future.
Overall, “The Wars” suggests that adversity can be a powerful force in shaping an individual’s identity, as it forces the person to confront their beliefs and values and to find new ways of understanding the world and themselves. Through the character of Robert Ross, the novel explores the ways in which adversity can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of new insights and perspectives such as overthinking and changing the nature of man.
Reference
Findley, T. (2018). The Wars. Penguin Modern Canadian Classics.