1st person P.O.V. and Paul Baumer is the narrator. Character as narrator Hints what we (the reader) know and everything immediately. 150 men go to the front line last day hit by heavy English artillery and come back with 80 strong.
P10-12 Kantorek had been our schoolmaster…and that is why they let us down so badly (Characterization kantorek and katezinsky)
Kantorek Stern “little” man meaning he is a wimp so to say, persuades Paul and friends to enlist, says warfare is legitimate expression of patriotism. Katezinsky is Paul’s best friend, 40 yrs old, cobbler in civilian life, Shrewd and resourceful (finds food). Said the middle class was misguided and said they were cynic.
P12-13 for us lads of eighteen…and we must see it through
(Analyze theme: the Lost generation)
They were so young and they have seen that only a few see in a life time because of the war. It says “And we saw that there was nothing of their world left. We were all at once terribly alone; and alone we must see it through.” This shows that that their lives had been destroyed by the war already and it would never be the same. It destroys the will to do something with their lives.
P19-20 It is strange to think that at home…All the same we are not sad
(characterization Paul theme the lost generation)
What they were doing before the war means nothing now. Paul was writing a play and poetry, now he can’t even see himself doing that again. “Our early life is cut off from the moment we came here…” “Kantorek would say that we stood on the threshold of life. And so it would seem. The war swept us away.” This also supports the lost generation theme.
P22-26 By threes and fours… by being strict with the recruits
(Themes Corrupting effect of power shared humanity Lit. Elements Huma and symbolism)
In civilian life Himmelstoss was a post man and had no power. In the army however he was a sadistic drillmaster known as the “Terror of Klostrburg.” This shows that when someone get a taste of power they will always want more.
P28-29 He is not the first…Let him not die!
Characterization Kemmerich theme the destructiveness of war)