What put Robert over the edge

        It was a mix of everything I believe that finally sent Robert over the edge. His mind was doomed to be corrupted from joining the army. He was never going to be the same again. The first thing that started his insanity was the death of his beloved sister Rowena, he was her guardian and he loved her so much when she died he wanted to escape his feelings for her by joining the army. This was probably not the best idea because someone who is already really upset should not be going to see horrific images and atrocities of war. The second happening that wasn’t good for Roberts mind was when he had to kill the horse, being the animal lover that Robert is it was very hard for him. When the horse did not die on the first shot he realised it was in pain and this really bothered Robert a lot. The next thing that probably rattled Robert was all the mortar shelling that kept hitting all around him. Thinking at any moment he could die. Especially when his trench collapsed on top of him. The next clue to his madness would be the gas attack he nearly escaped and the German soldier he killed who wanted to let them go free. On top of all this Robert gets raped by four other soldiers. Getting raped alone is enough to corrupt your mind but along with all of this other stuff going on around him in his visit to Europe any person would not be ok. Finally the last thing that was detrimental to him that sent him overboard was an artillery strike that was hitting near the stable where all the horses were. He wanted to go save them but Captain leather disapproved. Robert went against Leathers orders and set free all of the animals Robert went AWOL which means he disobeyed orders and could be court marshalled for this act. The theme in my eyes that was the biggest in this novel was the effects of war on a human being and the way they can change and distort someone’s views. Make them insane and drive them mad. Seeing something as terrible as people dying and the fear of death around every corner can really mess someone up. I believe that this is why Robert had no problems killing two of his own nations army.