As I continue to read the wars, I realize that there is a shift to a focus on the parents of Robert Ross and how they actually do sincerely care for their son who is enlisted to fight in the war. The mother, although she seems like a horrible one in the beginning of the novel, is actually rather loving and has her reasons to become moody. The father, who seems like he has no initiative in life, does reveal a perseverance to follow through with his actions that will be discussed in the following post. All in all, it reflects a character development.
Mrs. Ross becomes inquiring, questioning what it means to live life I suppose. The novel states states, "I was afraid I was going to scream,' she said. She gestured back at the church with its sermon in progress. 'I do not understand. I don't. I won't. I can't. Why is this happening to us, Davenport? What does it mean - to kill your children? kill them and then...go in there and sing about it! What does that mean?' She wept - but angrily." (54)
From pages 54 to 56, an interaction with a child reflects Mrs. Ross' general kindness. The child may be thought of as a figure for innocence and hope, and hence inspires Mrs. Ross that everything is going to be alright.
In addition, the reader becomes aware of the fact that Mrs. Ross' brother died at a young age and so she places her son Robert in his shoes and fears for his death. This is evident when the novel states, "All she wanted to do was sit in the corner of the room and watch the door for Robert's return" (72). It's quite sad. Her brother's name was Monty Miles and had been killed while walking home. A trolley left the train tracks and struck him down.
Mr. Ross on the other hand, while quietly spoken is revealed to have a determination on what he sets out to do. As you may have known, Robert Ross makes a big deal out of having a 0.455 automatic hand revolver and so his father goes out of his way to send this. The novel states, "He had brought Robert down a hamper of food as well as the Cold revolver in its wooden box" and that he wanted to specifically pass "these gifts from hand to hand" (73). He was not going to let anything stop him for he was "determined, nonetheless that he should go - even if he had to go alone" (73). What a loving father.
The reader questions whether or not Robert will receive the love with authenticity? Will it be reciprocal? One can only hope.
If this event and transition could be put into a song, it would be "Never too late" by Three Days Grace. Read the passage from pgs 54-56. Itll make your heart melt.
Till next time,
Alexander Truong.
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