The Wars - Glory [Entry Three]

          Because war is such a terrible act in general, it's not surprising at all when the government decorate men in titles and medals to alleviate the true pain and point of war, to destroy and conquer. From a historical point of view, traditional diplomacy had always honoured the victors with something substantial from the losers. However, to earn a victory would require a motivation that would come in a materialistic form that would turn out to be in the form of medals and titles. As the novel, The Wars, investigates, the soldier whom the reader knows as Robert Raymond Ross is promoted to the rank of a Second Lieutenant. At the age of 19. Shocking. As the novel states, "Every aspect of the war had worsened...it was at this point that Robert received his promotion to Second Lieutenant" (46). I find this funny because historically speaking, the Allied powers knew they had a lot of troops to supply and so promoting these young adults who can still be deemed as teenage boys to superior ranks in itself reflects an ignorance to commitment, perseverance and the honour of war. What happened to working up your way up the ladder of social economic importance?! The novel elaborately discusses this new "rite of passage" in Ross' life. It goes like this:

"He was now a fully commissioned officer and ripe for the wars. On 18 December, 1915 the 39th Battery, C.E.F - which Robert had joined in Kingston - was embarked on the S.S Massanabie in St John Harbour. Robert even smoked a cigarette. He was nineteen years old" (46)

What I find surprising is the historical accuracy Findley incorporates into his work. There still lies a military training base camp in Kingston, Ontario where young officers train to enlist in the Canadian army. It's called the RMC - the Royal Military College of Canada. I should know this haha, I was planning on joining.

The main theme from this idea of glory found in titles and medals is essentially, one must consider, what makes a man, a man? Is it anatomically and genetically determined? Is someone a man for their brute strength? Or perhaps being loyal and staying true to your morals leaves you an honoured man. What happens if you have brute strength and you are loyal as well? (No sexual answers!) This is the main question to consider for Robert Ross may become the epitome of manliness or just become an outright failure like that of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart.

In addition, consider the ethical implications during this time frame. There were very gender-specific roles and it's important to note that there is a shift from shielding away from publicity, "In the snapshots everyone at first seems timid - lost - irresolute. Boys and men stand squinting at the camera. Women turn away suspicious. They still maintain a public reticence" to wanting to be publicized, as the general public cheer in gathering events, supporting war, and even handing out chocolate to soldiers leaving on trains.

Consider this: What's in a name?

Till next time,
Alexander Truong.