When Robert is thinking about the death of his sister he recalls a conversation they had when she asked, “ ‘Robert?’ ‘Yes, Rowena?’ ‘Will you stay with me forever?’ Yes, Rowena.’ ‘Can the rabbits stay forever, too?’ ‘Yes, Rowena’ ” (22). Robert is very dedicated to Rowena and they have a very strong connection. Robert always wants to be true to her. He feels he has let Rowena down once by not looking after her resulting in her death. He can not let Rowena down again by killing her rabbits. The killing of Rowena’s rabbits leaves Robert believing he has betrayed his loved one, which adds to his internal conflict. The death of Rowena contribute to Robert’s decision to go to war. Robert lived with the guilt of believing Rowena’s death was his fault everyday of his life. In conclusion, the continuing rage that Robert builds up inside himself over Rowena’s death plays a great role in his eventual self-destruction.
Secondly, Barbara d’Orsey makes herself an important part of many men's lives, and this ends in devastation. It is also made visible by other characters in the novel. Barbara, and Taffler go to visit James Villiers, Barbara’s past lover while he is in the hospital. Robert witnesses the visit and the nurse approaches him saying, “ ‘Just don’t ask me about that woman. I don’t know how she dares to come here’ ” (89). The nurse is angry that Barbara shows no compassion to the injured Villiers. Not only is Villiers in physical pain but the emotional pain which Barbara inflicts on him visiting, while accompanied by another man is devastating to him. James’ real feelings on the situation cannot be voiced
because of the extent of his injuries, but due to his reaction the reader may assume he is emotionally distraught. Even Barbara’s sister Juliet comments on her sister’s behaviour.
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Juliet writes in her transcripts that, after the visit to Villiers, “the affair between [Barbara] and Robert Ross developed quickly. [...] It seemed inhuman. Barbara never went to see Taffler again” (152). The inhumanity which leaves Juliet “shocked” and “dismayed” reveals how selfish and ignorant Barbara is to her lovers. As soon as Barbara spots a weakness in her lovers she abandons them and moves on to the next man. Barbara shows no shame in her actions. In conclusion, at the times her lovers need her the most she is not there to help them deal with emotional anxiety which leads to their internal destruction.
Thirdly, it is made visible at the beginning of the novel that the absence of a mother figure in Robert’s life has an emotional effect on him. Robert does not remember his mother being around very much as a small child. Mrs. Ross has gone through many losses in her life beginning with her father, brother, and now her daughter. This causes Mrs. Ross to breakdown and place copious amounts of grief on Robert which contributes to his internal destruction. Robert is deemed to be Rowena’s guardian which makes him responsible for her possessions after her death. Mrs. Ross explains to Robert how it is his duty to kill Rowena’s rabbits but he questions, “ ‘Why do the rabbits have to be killed?’ ‘Because they were hers.’ ‘But that can’t possibly make any sense.’ ‘Nonetheless, they must be killed’” (22-23). Mrs. Ross believes that it must be Robert who kills Rowena’s rabbits because they are a constant reminder of Rowena. Since Robert was Rowena’s guardian it is his responsibility to get rid of her most beloved possessions. If the rabbits are gone then Robert will realize that Rowena is gone too.
Robert refuses to kill the rabbits because he feels he has let Rowena down once by not watching her, causing her death. He would not let her down again by killing her rabbits too. Robert resents his mother for asking him to do this and it contributes to his decision to leave for war. Ever since Rowena’s death, Robert's mother begins to drink heavily. After Rowena’s funeral, Mrs. Ross becomes intoxicated and has a conversation with Robert. She knows he is going away to become a soldier and she tells him he can “go to hell. I’m not responsible. I’m just another stranger. Birth I can give you -- but life I cannot” (28). She wants Robert to know that she did give life to him by giving birth to him but it is impossible for her to keep someone alive. Mrs. Ross is distancing herself from Robert because she knows that he is going away to war and there is a good chance he too will die. This conversation is the final push which leads him leave for war the next morning. Thus, going to war is Robert’s ultimate downfall which leads to his destruction.
In conclusion, woman are an important part of the mental stability of men. Through Rowena, Barbara, and Mrs. Ross it is evident that woman characters give male characters emotional problems. In the novel The Wars by Timothy Findley, female characters cause internal conflicts between the male characters and themselves. Women influence men everyday without even knowing it.
