Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Wars, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Trauma and War
Blame, Revenge, and Justice
Loss of Innocence
Honor, Duty, and Heroism
Summary
Analysis
After arguing with Robert, Mrs. Ross retires to her bedroom and refuses to open the door when Tom knocks.
Mrs. Ross uses alcohol as an emotional crutch for her grief, foreshadowing an inability to cope with negative emotions and an ongoing struggle with substance abuse that stems from the deeply traumatizing effects of losing a child.
Themes
