1. Individual Seminar The Wars Timothy Findley

2. Summary The Wars is about Robert Ross’ life – a man who enlists in the military because he feels that the accidental death of his sister is his own fault. The novel expresses Robert's challenges not only during the war of Ypres, but his internal conflict that he is challenged with throughout the entire novel. Robert is a sympathetic, loving man which is consistent throughout the novel but he is faced with many situations which force him to make difficult decisions. In the end of the novel; Robert makes a decision to free horses from a burning barn against Captain Leather’s orders and is accused of betraying his country. The Wars is about Robert Ross’ life – a man who enlists in the military because he feels that the accidental death of his sister is his own fault. The novel expresses Robert's challenges not only during the war of Ypres, but his internal conflict that he is challenged with throughout the entire novel. Robert is a sympathetic, loving man which is consistent throughout the novel but he is faced with many situations which force him to make difficult decisions. In the end of the novel; Robert makes a decision to free horses from a burning barn against Captain Leather’s orders and is accused of betraying his country.

3. Content Morality Defined Morality is a system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior. The word carries the concepts of: (1) moral standards, with regard to behavior; (2) moral responsibility, referring to our conscience; and (3) a moral identity, or one who is capable of right or wrong action. Morality Defined Morality is a system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior. The word carries the concepts of: (1) moral standards, with regard to behavior; (2) moral responsibility, referring to our conscience; and (3) a moral identity, or one who is capable of right or wrong action.

4. The Big Question Where does moral freedom come from and should we have the freedom to choose between what is right and wrong within our own moral codes? Where does moral freedom come from and should we have the freedom to choose between what is right and wrong within our own moral codes?

5. Introduction Though Findley’s; The Wars (based on only one war (Ypres)), the novel focuses more closely on the emotional wars Robert Ross experiences within himself, the challenges he is faced with and the effects of war on humanity. Though Findley’s; The Wars (based on only one war (Ypres)), the novel focuses more closely on the emotional wars Robert Ross experiences within himself, the challenges he is faced with and the effects of war on humanity. The title “Wars” reflects the multiple conflicts within the novel. Whether the conflict being personal or during his time in the war. The title “Wars” reflects the multiple conflicts within the novel. Whether the conflict being personal or during his time in the war. Findley’s novel uses imagery and descriptive content to express what could not be told due to cultural expectations. Findley’s novel uses imagery and descriptive content to express what could not be told due to cultural expectations.

6. Plot Throughout the wars Robert is faced with an internal and external conflict. Robert is first faced with his hydrophilic sisters death. Though Rowena is not in Roberts care when the death occurs, he blames himself for her death. Findley uses Rowena’s death as a deciding factor in Robert’s enrolment in the military. This leads to Roberts external conflict which consists of his challenges in his time spent fighting for his country. Throughout the wars Robert is faced with an internal and external conflict. Robert is first faced with his hydrophilic sisters death. Though Rowena is not in Roberts care when the death occurs, he blames himself for her death. Findley uses Rowena’s death as a deciding factor in Robert’s enrolment in the military. This leads to Roberts external conflict which consists of his challenges in his time spent fighting for his country. Findley’s organization throughout the novel could be considered scattered. The novel presents ideas as they are found. The order of events are presented more in an emotional manner rather than chronological order. This leaves us dependent on the narrator who we question the reliance of. Findley starts the novel with the unknown narrator stating “you begin at the archives with photographs” (p. 7). This shows the reader that everything presented in the novel is research done by the narrator. Robert Ross’ story is told through recorded historical events and the remembrance of people who knew Robert and his story. Findley’s organization throughout the novel could be considered scattered. The novel presents ideas as they are found. The order of events are presented more in an emotional manner rather than chronological order. This leaves us dependent on the narrator who we question the reliance of. Findley starts the novel with the unknown narrator stating “you begin at the archives with photographs” (p. 7). This shows the reader that everything presented in the novel is research done by the narrator. Robert Ross’ story is told through recorded historical events and the remembrance of people who knew Robert and his story. Findley’s style; jumping from one person's opinion to Robert's situation makes the novel an easier read and less depressing. Findley tends to switch amongst war scenes to a lighter topic which helps the story to be less depressing. Findley’s style; jumping from one person's opinion to Robert's situation makes the novel an easier read and less depressing. Findley tends to switch amongst war scenes to a lighter topic which helps the story to be less depressing.

7. Character Development Robert being the only character the reader is able to establish development with Robert being the only character the reader is able to establish development with Findley’s main character; Robert Ross is a dynamic character who is introduced as a sympathetic, innocent, loving man. Robert remains sympathetic and loving throughout the challenging events that take place in the novel. (horse scene p?) Robert goes through a deep depression when Rowena dies, and he takes the blame for her death. Soon after, when Robert is dispatched to the war he feels obligated to help fellow soldiers and animals, Findley portrays Roberts obligation as an act of redemption- as he feels he needs to make up for Rowena’s death. Findley’s main character; Robert Ross is a dynamic character who is introduced as a sympathetic, innocent, loving man. Robert remains sympathetic and loving throughout the challenging events that take place in the novel. (horse scene p?) Robert goes through a deep depression when Rowena dies, and he takes the blame for her death. Soon after, when Robert is dispatched to the war he feels obligated to help fellow soldiers and animals, Findley portrays Roberts obligation as an act of redemption- as he feels he needs to make up for Rowena’s death. Later in the novel you begin to notice Robert's act of rage and his established temper. (he would fire his gun destroyed a tree, p 156) Later in the novel you begin to notice Robert's act of rage and his established temper. (he would fire his gun destroyed a tree, p 156) Though Roberts temper grows and the war takes its toll on him, his love and affection remains till the end- as he eventually sacrifices himself for his loved ones. (helps horses scene) Though Roberts temper grows and the war takes its toll on him, his love and affection remains till the end- as he eventually sacrifices himself for his loved ones. (helps horses scene)

8. Symbols Fire Findley uses fire to represent the feeling of pain and emotional distress including the brutality of war Findley uses fire to represent the feeling of pain and emotional distress including the brutality of war Houses, trees and fields of flax once flourished here. Summers had been blue with flowers. Now it was a shallow sea of stinking gray from end to end. And this is where you fought the war. (p. 72) Houses, trees and fields of flax once flourished here. Summers had been blue with flowers. Now it was a shallow sea of stinking gray from end to end. And this is where you fought the war. (p. 72) "Robert looked to one side from under the peak of his cap, hoping that no one had seen him flinch from the steam or stepping back from the fire. He was wishing that they would leave. His shoulders hurt. His arm was sore. There were bruises on his back. He ached. He wanted all the others who had got off the train to depart the station before him." This conveys the physical and mental pain which Robert experiences. (p. 18) "Robert looked to one side from under the peak of his cap, hoping that no one had seen him flinch from the steam or stepping back from the fire. He was wishing that they would leave. His shoulders hurt. His arm was sore. There were bruises on his back. He ached. He wanted all the others who had got off the train to depart the station before him." This conveys the physical and mental pain which Robert experiences. (p. 18) and he stood and he stared as he passed the fires of his father's factories, every furnace blasting red in the night...- and where did his father and his mother sleep beneath the pall of smoke reflecting orange and yellow flames? (p.46) and he stood and he stared as he passed the fires of his father's factories, every furnace blasting red in the night...- and where did his father and his mother sleep beneath the pall of smoke reflecting orange and yellow flames? (p.46) Pistol: Robert often turns to his pistol represents it’s authority and sense of security Pistol: Robert often turns to his pistol represents it’s authority and sense of security

9. Symbols Birds: represent the danger that Robert is going to experience (p. 80) Birds: represent the danger that Robert is going to experience (p. 80) Horses and dogs: domesticated horses and dogs dependence on mankind reminds Robert that actions will always have their repercussions on others. The reoccurrence of these animals represent that he can not escape his childhood influences (mother’s drinking, Rowena’s death) Roberts felt obligation is caused by his guilt towards Rowena’s accidental death. Robert is reminded of Rowena, the animals being helpless/dependent like her. This causes Robert to feel obligated to help the dependent throughout the entire novel Horses and dogs: domesticated horses and dogs dependence on mankind reminds Robert that actions will always have their repercussions on others. The reoccurrence of these animals represent that he can not escape his childhood influences (mother’s drinking, Rowena’s death) Roberts felt obligation is caused by his guilt towards Rowena’s accidental death. Robert is reminded of Rowena, the animals being helpless/dependent like her. This causes Robert to feel obligated to help the dependent throughout the entire novel The animals also symbolize hope amongst distress (their innocence) The animals also symbolize hope amongst distress (their innocence) “here is something that is still alive. And the word alive is amazing" (127). This quote is described after Robert finds a rat left struggling under a pile of dead bodies. “here is something that is still alive. And the word alive is amazing" (127). This quote is described after Robert finds a rat left struggling under a pile of dead bodies.

10. Psychoanalytical lens Robert’s state of mind is negatively impacted by the effects of war. In the beginning of the novel, Robert is offended to shoot an injured horse, and after he is traumatized by the brutality of war he is found demolishing a tree with his gun. Findley expresses his later known violent characteristics. Robert’s state of mind is negatively impacted by the effects of war. In the beginning of the novel, Robert is offended to shoot an injured horse, and after he is traumatized by the brutality of war he is found demolishing a tree with his gun. Findley expresses his later known violent characteristics. Findley uses repressed material; violence of war and Roberts obligation to protect the helpless horses due to his conscience of Rowena’s death through animal and fire symbols that reoccur throughout the novel. Findley uses repressed material; violence of war and Roberts obligation to protect the helpless horses due to his conscience of Rowena’s death through animal and fire symbols that reoccur throughout the novel.

11. Morality in Findley’s The Wars From the beginning of the novel Robert is faced with his feelings of guilt towards Rowena and her rabbits. From the beginning of the novel Robert is faced with his feelings of guilt towards Rowena and her rabbits. He battles with his morals when he is taken to the whorehouse. He feels guilt, shame and embarrassment and doesn't feel like he should be there. The above emotions showing Roberts morals differ from the other soldiers who felt no shame in what they were doing. This shows morals differ between individuals He battles with his morals when he is taken to the whorehouse. He feels guilt, shame and embarrassment and doesn't feel like he should be there. The above emotions showing Roberts morals differ from the other soldiers who felt no shame in what they were doing. This shows morals differ between individuals Robert is also faced with moral values when he is ordered to kill an injured horse. Robert feels it is wrong to kill a living creature but does it anyways to protect his reputation and capability of being an officer Robert is also faced with moral values when he is ordered to kill an injured horse. Robert feels it is wrong to kill a living creature but does it anyways to protect his reputation and capability of being an officer But what establishes these differences? But what establishes these differences?

12. What affects moral codes? Religion Religion Individual beliefs allow their religions to set their moral codes as individuals will follow in their own faith Individual beliefs allow their religions to set their moral codes as individuals will follow in their own faith Ex. Christianity’s moral code being the 10 commandments (Do not misuse the name of God) Ex. Christianity’s moral code being the 10 commandments (Do not misuse the name of God) From the Bible, Paul the Apostle, points out that even those who do not believe in God frequently obey God's laws as given in the Ten Commandments: "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them" (Romans 2:14-15 (NKJV)). From the Bible, Paul the Apostle, points out that even those who do not believe in God frequently obey God's laws as given in the Ten Commandments: "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them" (Romans 2:14-15 (NKJV)).

13. What affects moral codes? Society and societal expectations Society and societal expectations How does society and societal expectations affect the differences of morality between individuals? How does society and societal expectations affect the differences of morality between individuals? What role does society play? What role does society play? Education Education People who have an expanded knowledge are often more open minded and set their own moral code based on their own experiences People who have an expanded knowledge are often more open minded and set their own moral code based on their own experiences Legal obligations Legal obligations Do we allow the law to decide right from wrong? Leaving anything being legal to be behaviorally right? Do we allow the law to decide right from wrong? Leaving anything being legal to be behaviorally right? Ex. Abortions aren’t illegal, individuals moral code decides their opinions on different situations Ex. Abortions aren’t illegal, individuals moral code decides their opinions on different situations

14. How does our conscience affect moral codes? Many people feel that conscience is a matter of our hearts, that concepts of right, wrong, and fairness are "programmed" in everybody Many people feel that conscience is a matter of our hearts, that concepts of right, wrong, and fairness are "programmed" in everybody

15. Examples of Morality Differences Sarah, a four year old child, will do whatever she can get away with. Sarah, a four year old child, will do whatever she can get away with. Richard, an adult, won't steal because it's illegal to do so. Richard, an adult, won't steal because it's illegal to do so. Mary, an adult, won't steal because the Church says it's wrong. Mary, an adult, won't steal because the Church says it's wrong. Joe, an adult, doesn't steal because it doesn't seem right to hurt other people. Joe, an adult, doesn't steal because it doesn't seem right to hurt other people. Robin, an adult, steals from the rich and gives to the poor because the poor need the money more. Robin, an adult, steals from the rich and gives to the poor because the poor need the money more. Robert, an adult and the member of a strange cult, doesn't see anything wrong with stealing because he's been indoctrinated that everything is communal property. Robert, an adult and the member of a strange cult, doesn't see anything wrong with stealing because he's been indoctrinated that everything is communal property.

16. Moral codes changing over time How do moral codes become lessened How do moral codes become lessened Ex. Divorce was unheard of years ago, but common today Ex. Divorce was unheard of years ago, but common today

17. The Big Question Where does moral freedom come from and should we have the freedom to choose between what is right and wrong within our own moral codes? Where does moral freedom come from and should we have the freedom to choose between what is right and wrong within our own moral codes?

18. Bibliography Nygren, Erik. "Society of Morality." MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 16 May 1996. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. Nygren, Erik. "Society of Morality." MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 16 May 1996. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "Morality." Philosophy - AllAboutPhilosophy.org. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "Morality." Philosophy - AllAboutPhilosophy.org. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "The Structure of The Wars." Timothy Findley - The Wars. Ed. Liisa Hukkala, Heather Roblee, and Melissa-Lee Stencill. Feb. 1977. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "The Structure of The Wars." Timothy Findley - The Wars. Ed. Liisa Hukkala, Heather Roblee, and Melissa-Lee Stencill. Feb. 1977. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. Andrea, Steph Novak, and Mj. "Timothy Findley's "The Wars"" Timothy Findley's "The Wars" Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. Andrea, Steph Novak, and Mj. "Timothy Findley's "The Wars"" Timothy Findley's "The Wars" Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "Essays." Welcome to the Website All about Literature,. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. http://cafedes.tripod.com/wars.htm. "Essays." Welcome to the Website All about Literature,. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. http://cafedes.tripod.com/wars.htm. http://cafedes.tripod.com/wars.htm "The Wars." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 31 Oct. 2011.. "The Wars." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 31 Oct. 2011..