Rodwell and Robert also develop a strong bond with animals, which are part of his nature. “They are resting. They were all injured. This is his kind of hospital, you see” (Findley 95). Rodwell cares deeply for the animals as the novel describes him nursing them back to health. Two seminar participants say that "Rodwell cares so deeply because it is in his nature to care for animals, like Robert." Rodwell's morals include ensuring the safety of animal life; this is shown helping the toads, birds, rabbits, and hedgehogs get back to health. War corrupts Rodwell's morals as he is sent to the front lines where he encounters madmen. “When Rodwell arrived, he found them slaughtering rats and mice and burning them alive on fires. Rodwell, being Rodwell, had tried to stop them. They would not be stopped, and seeing that he was interested, they forced him to witness the killing of a cat” (Findley 150). The soldiers force Rodwell to observe their sadistic actions on a cat, going against Rodwell's nature. The interference of Rodwell's morals ultimately led to his madness which drives him to commit suicide. “Rodwell had shot himself… they had forced him to watch a cat being killed. Half an hour later, Rodwell wandered into no man's land and put a bullet in his ear” (Findley 150). War corrupts Rodwell's integrity, requiring him to witness the killing of what he holds dear. This ultimately leads to his madness,