Margaret Ross

Of all the characters in the novel "The Wars", by Timothy Findley, the most interesting character is Margaret Elizabeth Ross, the Mother of the main character Robert Ross. Troubled psychologically, and well liquored most of the time, Mrs. Ross proves that even the most wealthy and seemingly well put together individual's can have real world problems. Margaret Ross's mental issues began when a brother she loved deeply, was killed when he was hit by a trolley car. Mrs. Ross realised after her brother's death, that it was impossible too keep those around her alive. This event marks the start of Margot having difficulty developing a closeness with those she truly loves. Margaret's inability to develope meaningful relationships with those she is close to is most evident when Robert Ross is taking a bath, and his mother enters the bathroom well sauced and ready to talk to her son. Slurring her words, the Mother of three said: " people in the world are all born alone and at the hand of strangers"', after telling her son this sobering fact, she follows up by saying that ever since his umbilical cord was cut, nothing she could do would keep him alive. Even though Margaret seems cold and distant, you can tell she truly loves her son. When she was told that Robert was missing in action, Margaret goes blind with grief and shock. This is what makes Mrs. Ross so interesting, her contradictions and pessimistic world view.