Home : The Wars : Study Guide

The Wars Study Guide

by Timothy Findley

The Wars study guide contains a biography of Timothy Findley, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

As the novel begins, we meet Robert Ross, a Canadian soldier sitting with his hands between his legs while holding a pistol. Nearby, a building is in flames and a train is stopped. It is clear that a battle has taken place. Robert Ross is accompanied by a black horse and a black dog. Robert mounts the horse and is leaving when the horse neighs. There are other horses on the train; Robert decides to free them. Together, Robert, the horses, and the dog set out.

Robert Ross has enlisted in the Canadian army after the tragic death of his sister, Rowena. Robert was supposed to be looking over her when she died. Instead he was in his bedroom "making love to his pillows." After Rowena's death Robert's mother instructs him to kill the pet rabbits…

Read the full The Wars Summary

• The Wars Summary
• About The Wars
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Prologue and Part One (Sections 1 to 15)
• Summary and Analysis of Part One (Sections 16 to 29)
• Summary and Analysis of Part Two
• Summary and Analysis of Part Three
• Summary and Analysis of Part Four
• Summary and Analysis of Part Five (I)
• Summary and Analysis of Part Five (II) and Epilogue
• Carl von Clausewitz's "On War"
• Related Links on The Wars
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Wars: Major Themes
• The Wars: Questions
• The Wars: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Timothy Findley: Biography