Animals come to represent both purity and the relationship that human beings have with the world. Animals play a key role in Timothy Findley's novel The Wars, whether through interference, necessity, affection, or compassion towards the characters. In The Wars, several characters share this close connection with animals, which serves to emphasize the different qualities of each character's personality. The animals connect to the main character, Robert Ross, in a way that reflects his unusual character and the obstacles he faces throughout the war. Robert enlisted in the army as a Canadian soldier, shortly after the tragic death of his younger sister, Rowena. Throughout the novel, Robert develops a bond with the soldiers in the dugout and with several animals he encounters during his journey. Many of the characters highlighted by Timothy Findley have a deep respect and admiration for the natural world, even if the setting took place during the war. However, it is of all people that Robert Ross has the greatest respect and appreciation for animals. Robert Ross' connection to animals such as rabbits, horses, coyotes, and birds shows the reader that human nature is not much different from animal nature. Robert shares a special relationship and bond with animals, especially rabbits. Rabbits are a symbol of Rowena, not only because they were her prized possession, but also because they remind Robert of his younger sister. Rowena and the rabbits are characters of innocence and purity. Being considered small, fragile and precious to those who love and care for them. Findley uses rabbits to evoke feelings of guilt in Robert, during constant appearances in the novel. When Rowena dies, R...... middle of paper ......n rabbits, Robert's sense of protection is seen in the presence of birds and his wild side comes from the coyote. This indicates that animals and humans are essentially one being, struggling to survive in a harsh world. Works Cited Reynolds, Ann. “The wars”. Masterplots II: British and Commonwealth Fiction Series (1987): 1-4. Literary reference center. Internet. April 9, 2014.Sanderson, Heather. “Robert and Taffler: Homosexuality and Gender Discourse in Timothy Findley’s The Wars.” Textual Studies in Canada 8 (1996): 82-95. Literary reference center. Internet. April 9, 2014. Kich, Martin. “The wars”. Cyclopedia of Literary Characters, Third Revised Edition (1998): 1. Literary Reference Center. Internet. April 9, 2014.YORK, LORRAINE. “The Wars, the (1977).” Oxford Companion To Canadian Literature (1997): 1168. Literary Reference Centre. Internet. April 9. 2014.