Never Judge A Book By Its Cover (7th Entry)

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

First impressions are so important, whether it’s for making first acquaintances, starting relationships or getting a job. Most of the time, it is hard to forget first impressions, seeming as though they had been branded into our memory. In this novel, Timothy Findley gave many examples of how easily one can be judged without knowing their deeper sentiments. For instance, Robert had assumed that Taffler, being a well-respected and honorable man, was far from being homosexual. Although this was not straightforwardly said, it was indicated through his angered and outrageous reaction in finding out so. Furthermore, another character, Devlin, was described as appearing to be a snobby and judgmental person, while in contrast, he was very much caring and artistic. Personally, I find that I can learn from this as I am quick to make first impressions. Of course, I am not proud of such actions, but it has been something of natural instinct. Honestly, I cannot be the only one out there as well. First impressions have always been a part of civilization, dating ages and ages ago. For example, the hierarchy system, the feudal system or even the Renaissance Chain of Beings has been an early base for the critique of another. I guess I have found another inquiry question. What triggers us to make first impressions and judgments of another, and how does it really benefit us on doing so?

Depression At War (6th Entry)

Upon reading the novel, I had stumbled upon an answer in which I had asked what the other “wars” could refer to. As guessed, the wars did not just define physical challenges of the Great War, but the emotional obstacles faced. However, to my surprise, Timothy Findley placed this struggle upon other characters and not just the protagonist, Robert Ross. Many of the instances are exclusive to Mrs. Ross, as you witness her emotional struggle to maintain order and stability in her life. Through the course of the plot, you find the transformation of Robert’s mother, as her morality and character breaks down. For instance, although you are not given much detail on her, the reader assumes she was well and capable of herself, later changing to a closed and insecure woman. The first case of such alteration occurred after Robert’s announcement of joining the army. Shortly after, Mrs. Ross faced a nervous breakdown, as she quietly left the church, disgusted at how the other church-goers sang their children off to death as if celebratory. Despite, the straight forwardness of these events, my answer was confirmed as Timothy Findley laid out the words in front of us to read, “And this is what they called the wars.” For this particular line, Mrs. Ross could not bear to wave off Robert as he had departed on his ship. Similar to the idea of my prior posts, depression has been a war in which Timothy Findley has made his characters fight. 

Shakespeare In The Wars? (5th Entry)

“No thank you sir. I promised my mother I wouldn’t.”

Regis, a sixteen year-old boy, from Regina quoted this as Robert had offered to buy him a drink. The significance I found in this one line was that a youth of such innocence was drafted into the army. In comparison, I just turned seventeen and I cannot imagine such responsibilities. I guess this goes back to our older inquiry question in which we had stated that the responsibilities of the past greatly differ from the responsibilities of today. Perhaps the times are different, and youth plays a less significant role in society. On the other hand, maybe the youth of today has been raised in easier times, in which responsibilities coincided with initiative for personal gains or benefits. I cannot imagine myself holding the responsibility to fight for a country. Although I’m sure that Regis is probably scared out of his mind, I can’t even imagine myself in his shoes as our lives contrast so considerably. Compared with Regis, we are practically opposites. Also upon discussing this with another group member, she explained that Regis was a way for Timothy Findley to signify the maturation of Robert Ross. Although I agree, I don’t have any further comments on that. The only thought that comes to mind is that it reminds me of Macbeth, and how Shakespeare used foil to show the difference between Macbeth and Banquo. 

Depression (4th Entry)

                Robert’s mother has undergone many misfortunes which had led to her stern and cold-hearted character. Near the beginning of this novel, Mrs. Ross faced the death of her daughter, Rowena, in a tragic accident. Ultimately, this had not just caused her to lose one of her children, but two of them. From Mrs. Ross’s perspective, she had no hope for her son as he had decided to join the army.  Of course, joining the army at such a time was a certain death. This sense of dismay and depression was first introduced when Robert and his mother talked in the bathroom. The tone of her dialogue was very gloomy and had a streak of disappointment. Furthermore, her physical appearance had changed, going from a well groomed woman to a messy haired and poorly dressed smoker. Later, as we progress through the novel, we find out that she had distance herself from her close family and most of her cousins. While she remained close to Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Ross had intentionally neglected her. Although this may not be a significant detail in the overall novel, I found the ignorance of another person’s depression very disturbing. It made me pause to think about our surroundings of today, considering the thoughts of faces I see about in school. I wondered how many of the students or people I walk by, feel as if they were brushed off for what others believe are bigger schemed problems. Taking this into consideration, I found many instances where friends experience dismay and were poorly comforted. I find that the urge to talk to somebody about their feelings are suppressed or ignored, mainly because they are afraid of the reaction they will get. One example of a reaction from a parent may be that they should continue to live through the problem and that it is only a “high school thing.” However, as Martin Wang’s group presented, we cannot live for the future. We must also spend time dealing with the present. We cannot always give false hope to someone who is feeling down, to only make them ponder on the time they will feel happiness again. With this new thought, a new inquiry question comes to mind. What can we do to advocate the accessibility to openly talk about your problems and find helpful support? 

Homophobia (3rd Entry)

"That's so gay,"

Homophobia is a rarely looked term, ignored in its use, loosely thrown at another person. Although the term "gay" was once to describe immense happiness, the culture and people of following generations moulded it to a newer meaning. As if a part of the norm, it is seldom that people consider the definition of their insults. In Timothy Findley's novel, "The Wars," homophobia is demonstrated in Robert' reaction on finding out that Taffler was homosexual. At the beginning in which they first make their acquaintances, Clifford and Robert awed and respected Taffler for his contribution to the war and his return. However, after peeking through the peephole, Robert was outraged, throwing a clock against the wall. In my interpretation, I can imagine that Robert was quite shocked along with disappointed. Also, using some hindsight, I can imagine that being homosexual was very distasteful in that time period. Furthermore, as Robert described in his experience, he went to the whorehouse to escape the accusation that he was homosexual himself. Admittedly, when I find out that a new celebrity or famous figure openly exclaims they're sexuality, I am shocked. As a result of this small portion of the novel, my new inquiry question is why having such an orientation is frowned upon and how that can be changed.

Finally Got The Book (2nd Entry)

Timothy Findley’s novel, “The Wars,” has been a great read so far! The journey and adventure to even get the book was worth it. Within the first portion of the book, the story unfolded quite considerably, already showing signs of development towards the protagonist, Robert Ross. Reading the prologue was like watching a television show, showing a troubled lone figure, lost in a desolate landscape alongside the tracks of abandoned trains. I had difficulty understanding the change of time periods when the book jumped between a more current time and the time of Robert was alive. To add to the confusion, there was a segment where you were an archivist looking through photographs. I guess another major confusion within the book is the interchanging omniscient and third person point of view. A notable line in the book was when they described what Robert Ross was wearing in the train station. Timothy Findley, wrote as if we were a part of the time period when he wrote that the jacket he wore will later be a trend known as the trench coat. Also, another interesting component to this book is the symbolism. So far, the only demonstration of this was the coyote which represented the bond between mankind and animal. As I read this, I was excited since I had already read in Wikipedia that animals would be a large part of the novel. I really enjoy the book and cannot wait to see what is in store ahead. 

The Wars (1st Entry)

For our Canadian novel study, I have decided to read Timothy Findley's book, "The Wars." I found interest in this title after reading the synopsis on Wikipedia. The simplicity of the title which holds a deeper and more complex meaning intrigued me as I wondered what other conflicts the "wars" can refer to. Also I learnt that there was a lot of symbolism through the use of multiple animals. In reading this novel, I hope to learn more in depth details of the war as I skipped socials 11 through summer school. Furthermore, I hope this would give a more empathetic view of the war and its soldiers opposed to cold hard facts. Similar to the reason I chose this book, I wonder what the other "wars" can refer to and whether there are more internal conflicts with the character himself as well. I'm excited to read this novel!