This story takes place during the First World War, A young boy named Robert Ross, from Ontario experiences some dramatic times in his life. His younger sister Rowena whom he admires greatly passes away, this causes a great tole on Robert. Rowena had these rabbits that she loved to play with so when she passed away Robert wanted so badly to keep and to watch after them. However his mother Mrs. Ross had a different plan for them, she wanted Robert to kill all of them. This is an important part of the novel because it is the first part where Roberts downfall starts to happen. Robert is known for being a very nice boy, he doesn’t do anything out of the norm when it comes to being mature in everyday life; but being demanded to kill these rabbits corrupts him a little, he doesn’t like that his mom is trying to get him to do something he hold dear to his heart. The rabbits also come in through out the book, some people believe that whenever Robert see a rabbit it is Rowenas’ doing, she is there with him in the body of a rabbit.
Though out the novel there is countless examples of animal imagery. The next one after the rabbits is the coyote. Robert is out for a run and he spots a coyote and follows him. This is symbolic of how innocent Robert use to be.
Another animal that plays a big part in this story is the horse. On the boat on the way overseas the horse breaks his leg, since Robert is the only one whom has a gun he is ordered to shoot the horse in the head. This is a hard thing for him to do being so close to animals. However he overcomes anxiety and does it. This is not something he would have been able to do at the beginning of the novel, this is also prevalent in Roberts demise.
We meet a character named Rodwell, Robert really likes his company and finds that he reminds him a lot of Rowena. Rodwell is like Rowena in the way that he is very close to animals and would pretty much do anything to save and protect them. At the end of the novel Rodwell kills himself after being forced to witness two men killing a cat.
Basically what I am trying to say is that this novel is swimming with animals and their symbolism. They play an important part in the telling of this story.
