4 Elements the Wars Essay - 877 Words

The Wars: Four Elements It was the ancient Greek philosopher, Empedocles, who first established the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. He also stated that everything in the world is structured by and rooted in these four elements. However during times of conflict and violence, humans begin to disturb this harmony. When this happens, the elements stop representing life and start representing a form of destruction. Throughout Robert Ross’s journey in The Wars, Timothy Findley exemplifies this theory by displaying the four elements in two diverse ways: benevolent and harmful. Earth is said to be the feminine element. It is perceived to be nurturing, stable, and full of endurance. The planet itself is a ball of life in which one is†¦show more content†¦This comes to no surprise. Like water, life is subject to change. Like water, life is shaped by the places it exists in: the earth, the environment, and the ecosystems. Throughout his voyage, Robert Ross finds himse lf in the presence of snow numerous times. For instance, it snows during Rowena’s funeral, â€Å"All the time the minister eulogized and all the time they prayed, it snowed† (Finley 18) Robert also stands in the snow at the train station, much like Mrs. Ross let the snow beat down on her face. Each of these events marks a point of permanent change. Everyone is able to imagine the scene where the hero looks down and the town below him is awash in flames. Fire is the agent of destruction; symbolism of both chaos and war. Burning everything in its path, it brings nothing but devastation. â€Å"Fire storms raged along the front. Men were exploded where they stood – blown apart by the combustion† (Findley 137) Staying true to this depiction, fire takes the lives of many during the war, including Robert himself. While trying to save the horses, Roberts get caught in the barn and the roof â€Å"went up in seconds like a tinder box.† (Finley 212) Althoug h the flames claimed the lives of many, at times they also helped give Robert peace at mind. During Robert’s stay at Desole, he receives his kit bag which includes a picture of Rowena. He decides to burn the picture and it isShow MoreRelatedReview of Timothy Findleys Novel, The Wars Essay1332 Words   |  6 PagesMany novels have been written about the great wars, but few are as absorbing, captivating and still capable of showing all the horrors of the battle as Timothy Findleys The Wars1. After reading the novel, critics and readers have been quick to point out the vast examples of symbolism shown throughout the novel. Even the author himself commented at the vast examples of symbolism throughout the novel, Everything in that book has a life of its own. 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