A. In the first chapter, Paul is receiving almost double rations due to the death of half of second company. His friend Behm has already died, and Kemmerich has had his leg amputated. He will die soon. The chapter ends after they read Kantorek’s letter.
B. Paul must feel for the soon loss of his friend, and he is reminiscing of Kantorek. Despite this, he has the double rations to be happy about.
C. Voracity, misére ouverte
- “In Tjaden this is voracity, in Muller it is foresight” (Remarque 1-2). – Consuming or eager to consume great amounts of food.
- “After every misére ouverte we have a round of nap” (Remarque 9). – A call in solo whist (card game).
War often demands immediate action, with consequences arising when precautions or endeavors are pushed aside. This cartoon shows President Woodrow Wilson changing the date of Congress’ convention after American ships have been sunk. Although it is unknown whether or not an earlier convention would have prevented this, it is possible. As a result of German u-boat attacks, this cartoon was drawn to show that the government cannot wait when taking action in war. When the government does wait the opponent can act, resulting in a mass loss of lives. When in a time of crisis, war is priority.
E. I learned that sympathy may not always be the best. It is made to seem like a good thing to give, but it is not always what a person is after. It is definitely important to maintain friendship.
Chapter 2.
A. Paul talks of how they have transformed into soldiers and how they are the “Iron Youth”. He stays with Kemmerich until he dies, and then takes his belongings. He gives the boots to Muller.
B. Paul is noticing how the war has changed them. He also is, for the first time, watching one of his friends waste away.
C. Gamut, esprit de corps
- “After three weeks it was no longer incomprehensible to us that a braided postman should have more authority over us than had formerly our parents, our teachers, and the whole gamut of culture from Plato to Goethe” (Remarque 22). – A complete range or extent.
- “But by far the most important result was that it awakened in us a strong, practical sense of esprit de corps, which in the field developed into the finest thing that arose out of the war – friendship” (Remarque 26-7). – A sense of unity and of common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc.
In terms of human’s violent nature, the race has not changed much from theory of evolution. This cartoon shows a soldier who, with all his equipment, looks like a monkey. Through this it is shown that war is primitive, and so is man. War brings out the brutality in men. This makes them inhumane, comparably to apes. War, from a certain perspective, is not immature and shows how primitive humans are.
E. War is primitive and brutal, and without companions it will be difficult to survive it.
Chapter 3.
A. In the third chapter new recruits have come to reinforce Second Company. They are younger than Baumer’s group; 2 years younger. The group of friends reminisces on the time they ambushed Himmelstoss.
B. Paul appears to be in a lighter a mood. Despite reminiscing he is distraught about the recruitment of such young soldiers.
C. Patronizingly, buffer
- “Patronizingly he gives the youngster a portion and says: ...” (Remarque 36). –
To treat in a condescending manner. - “And an old buffer was pleased to describe us as ‘young heroes’” (Remarque 50). –
Man.
The overall concept of war is often two or more major parties fighting for supreme power, while those in between are simply pushed aside, or used. This cartoon shows two men battling for control of earth, while others dangle freely. While the larger powers fight the smaller, neutral ones strive to simply remain where they are. Neutral powers are greatly affected in wars, even if no battles occur involving them. Everyone is affected because of a few men’s struggle for power. War is a dominating concept that affects all.
E. This chapter shows that, even though war is serious, there is time for fun. In military, it is always needed for one man to have power over others.
Chapter 4.
A. While the British are shelling, Paul, Kat, Kropp, and another man take cover in a shell hole. The fourth man is hysterical, and he sidles up to Paul and hides under his arm. When the British are finished the man has to throw his underwear away. During bombardment, horses are struck. They cry in pain while Detering shouts for someone to put them out of their misery. It is some time before they are shot down. Later, the British are shelling the Germans while they take cover in a graveyard. Bodies fly, but coffins provide protection. Gas is used, but everyone avoids this gruesome death by donning gas masks. When the bombardment has stopped they find the soldier from earlier. His hip has been injured, and Paul speculates he will never walk again. They plan to end it then, but a group of people arrive and they call for a stretcher.
B. For the first time Paul is being shown in true war. Men are dying around him, and the brutal reality is donning upon him.
C. Lorries, aspirants
- “The motor lorries roll up after dark” (Remarque 51). –A truck.
- “‘Kat, I hear some aspirants for the frying-pan over there.’” (Remarque 52). –One who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position.
War, requiring a great deal of money, suctions off the human desire to succeed in an attempt to raise this money. This cartoon reads that by buying war bonds an individual is, theoretically, fighting the war. This may give a sense of accomplishment to individuals. This makes people who don’t go to war feel as if they have done the same as the soldier. Credit is once more being taken away from soldiers. Although it is helpful for citizens to donate money for war it is unjust that they gain so much respect while soldiers don’t.
E. I learned that having someone to aid you during a time of crisis is helpful, especially when one is alone and incompetent.
Chapter 5.
A. The soldiers are picking lice from their hair, and they all know of Himmelstoss' arrival. He was removed from his position at the training post because his brutal techniques were seen by the magistrate's son. They begin to discuss what they would do if the war was over. Westhus claims he would stay in the army, and that thiis is better than digging peat. Detering wishes to go straight back to farming; he is worried about the welfare of his family and farm. Himmelstoss walks up and Tjaden insults him. Himmelstoss threatens Tjaden and leaves. The men laugh, but Kat says 5 days of arrest is likely.
They reminisce about Kantorek and school, realizing 12 soldiers from their class are either dead, wounded, or insane. They talk about how useless what they learned in school is in war, and how the war has ruined them in terms of getting into a career afterwards. Himmelstoss returns looking for Tjaden, and they tell him they don't know where he went. Paul finds and tells Tjaden, who disappears, and when Himmelstoss reappears Kropp insults his experience on the front.
At the trial later Tjaden is given three days open arrest, and Kropp one. The boys get together at the makeshift prison and play cards. Afterwards Kat and Paul go to get some geese. They catch and roast them, during which time Paul realizes how intimate a relationship he has developed with Kat, stronger than that of lovers. They eat and take the leftovers back to Tjaden and Kropp.
B. Paul feels that the war changes men, and that what they learned before going to war has become useless. He also feels he has developed immense, unbreakable bonds with his new friends. He states that they believe only in war.
C. Laconically, pensiveness
- “'How does the cow-s*** come on the roof?' retorts Muller laconically, and turns to Haie Westhus again” (Remarque 77-8). - Concise, saying much in few words
- "But it is merely pensiveness" (Remarque 86). - Thoughtfulness
D.
In order to have justice countries must avoid war and need for an intervention. This cartoons Wilson directing a boat to avoid war and intervention to reach justice. This shows that to have peace multiple things bust be avoided. War and intervention are also on opposite sides of the water. This is to represent that, although both options aren't the best, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. For prosperity, peace must be maintained by upholding justice and avoiding conflict.
E. I learned that war can force the formation of bonds between friends that seem unbreakable, and that this friendship has the ability to inspire soldiers in its grasp.
Chapter 6.
A. Rumor of an offensive movement brings soldiers to the front early. On the way they see many new coffins. The coffins are for the Germans. When they arrive at the front it is evident the British artillery has received reinforcements. The Germans' weapons are so out of shape that some of the shells don't even make it far enough because of warn out barrels. Although morale is low, Paul talks about "Chance" and recalls a time when he just barely survived because of Chance.
Rats populate the trenches and to try to keep them from eating their bread the soldiers cut off nibbled scraps and use them as bait. When the rats come, they beat and kill them with spades. The men are receiving Edamer cheese and rum, which to them seems like bad luck. Bombardment continues, and they are prepared when gas shells drop. The shelling continues for days. Men try to go out to get food but are unable to.
One of the recruits has an attack of claustrophobia, but Paul and Kat restrain him and keep him from going outside (where he would likely die). When a shell scores a direct hit that rocks the trench two other recruits start throwing fits. Bombardment suddenly stops and the Germans instantly flow out for the attack.
The Germans use grenades to attack the French at first as they run at them, the retreat and allow the machine gunners to mow down their enemy. The men have become "beasts". The Germans push the French back to their line, where they drink their water and steal their renown food. Paul is later put on night watch where he reminisces.
The battling continues and the dead pile up. Many are left in No Man's Land, and some are still alive. One soldier cries for three days, but all attempts to find him failed. The Germans recover the supposedly valuable remnants of the French parachutes; Westhus wants them for his girlfriend's garters. The men watch dog fights for amusement, but the artillery planes bother them. They direct firing, and eleven men are lost in one day as a result.
New recruits are brought in. They are so incompetent that they make things worse. The die at ridiculously high rates, five to ten to every older soldier. Paul dives into a trench where he finds Himmelstoss pretending to be hurt. When Himmelstoss ignores Paul's orders to get out and fight he beats him around, but Himmelstoss listens when a lieutenant yells at them both to get out.
The veterans try to teach the recruits, but they forget everything when they get into actual battle. Westhus is hurt in the back, while many men are losing limbs.
When Second Company is relieved there are only 32 men left of 150.
B. When he is engaged in trench warfare Paul undergoes a transformation into a beast. The soldiers take many, many lives, almost without hesitation. Although this is the concept and goal of war to anyone outside of war it appears barbaric.
C. Parapet, benumbed
- “Every man is aware of the heavy shells tearing down the parapet, rooting up the embankment and demolishing the upper layers of concrete” (Remarque 106). -Defensive wall or elevation.
- "We are gradually benumbed" (Remarque 107). - Dull.
D.
False promises are made during war in order to strengthen the power of the one proposing the promise, but it is often under fall pretenses. This cartoon shows a German soldier bribing a Spaniard with part of the U.S. if he joins them. The German man is hardly to be trusted and seeks only to expand Germany's power. The lies and deceit of war are methods with intent to increase a side's power. With false promises neutral powers become involved in the war, and whether they win or lose are left with nothing. The lies of war only cause more suffering when they bring in more innocents.
E. I learned that in times of crisis men can change. When an individuals life is threatened they have the ability transform into a disgusting entity.
Chapter 7.
A. In Second Company's time of leave Himmelstoss tries to make amends with the boys. Paul consents; he saw Himmelstoss help Haie when he was injured. Tjaden is swayed by his offer of butter and sugar--Himmelstoss is the new cook.
Paul reflects on the war. He knows that if they didn't have their odd sense of humor they would fall "to pieces", and that what they've gone through in the war will haunt them when they return home.
The boys are amused by a poster of a woman by the theater. Later, when swimming, they see three French women, with whom they flirt. Through broken French and interpretive sign language they tell them they will swim across the river that night to meet them--with food. Later that night as they drink the men tell false tales of their experience. Since there are too many men they get Tjaden so drunk he passes out, then Paul, Kropp, and Leer grab bread, cigarettes, and sausage. They swim across and have their time with the maidens, and see Tjaden when they're leaving.
Paul is given leave, after which he has training for four weeks. Buying drinks later he wonders if he will see the men when he returns. His friends see him off and when he arrives home he greets his sister but when she calls for their mother Paul goes weak. He goes to see her--she is in bed, ill. Paul changes back into "civilian clothes", which pleases his mother, but his father would rather see him in uniform. Paul feels like he does not fit in as he walks through the streets.
After looking through some of his old books Paul goes to see a friend of his, Mittelstaedt, who is in a barracks. Mittelstaedt tells him that Kantorek has been brought into the war, at a low rank. They go to see him and Paul bubbles at the sight of Kantorek's ridiculously sized uniform. Mittelstaedt, Kantorek's superior, torments his old teacher with brutal exercises, quoting Kantorek verbatim as he used to reprimand Mittelstaedt.
Paul's mother is counting the days until he leaves. Paul goes to see Kemmerich's mother, lying and saying Kemmerich was shot in the heart and died painlessly. He swears he will never return if it is not true. She gives him a kiss and a picture of Kemmerich.
On his last day Paul's mother is in his room that night, preaching advice. Paul wishes he could go back, to his innocence; he feels he is still a child and deserves it. She gives him two pairs of underpants while he regrets ever coming back.
B. Paul is discontent even during the rendezvous with the French women. He has mixed feelings about leaving, and knows at any moment he is gone his friends could die. At home he feels like a social outcast, wishing he could go back to his carefree childhood.
C. Quixotic, askance
- "If it were possible for us to save them, then it would be seen how much we cared--we would have a shot at it though we went under ourselves; for we can be damned quixotic when we like; fear we do not know much about--terror of death, yes; but that is a different matter, that is physical" (Remarque 139). - Idealistic without regard to practicality
- "We look askance at one another" (Remarque 142). - With a side glance; sidewise
D. POLITICAL CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
Chapter 8.
A. Paul has been at this training post before, but he hardly knows anyone there. He spends little time socializing and soon works himself into routine. Seperated by a single fence is a prison for Russians. They often come into the German camp and beg; most of the Germans ignore them, but sometimes they will deliver a kick. Paul observes their innocence. They sometimes trade their boots for food but now have very few possessions and helplessly try to trade trinkets they make for a slice or two of bread. Paul often guards the prisoners, and he is kind. He shares his cigarettes and is with them when they bury one of the Russians who died. The Russians are not very lively any more, and one dies almost every day. At night one of the prisoners who speaks German plays his violin when Paul tell him he plays piano. It is a melancholy tune.
The day before Paul leaves he is visited by his sister and father. His mother is in the hopsital for her cancer and they will have to operate soon, but they don't know where they'll get the money. They give him potato cakes and jam, which he decides not to give to the Russians when he realizes his mother must have been in pain to make them for him. He gives them only two.
B. WHAT PAUL FEELS LIKE
C. Opalescant, dysentery
- "Now the stems gleam purest white, and between them airy and silken, hangs the pastel-green of the leaves; the next moment all changes to an opalescant blue, as the shivering breezes pass down from the heights and touch the green lightly away; and again in one place it deepens almost to black as a cloud passes over the sun" (Remarquw 188). -
- "They have dysentery; furtively many of them display the blood-stained tails of their shirts" (Remarque 190). -
D. CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
Chapter 9.
A. SUMMARY
B. WHAT PAUL FEELS LIKE
C.
- VOCAB WORD
- VOCAB WORD
D. CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
Chapter 10.
A. SUMMARY
B. WHAT PAUL FEELS LIKE
C.
- VOCAB WORD
- VOCAB WORD
D. CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
Chapter 11.
A. SUMMARY
B. WHAT PAUL FEELS LIKE
C.
- VOCAB WORD
- VOCAB WORD
D. CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
Chapter 12.
A. SUMMARY
B. WHAT PAUL FEELS LIKE
C.
- VOCAB WORD
- VOCAB WORD
D. CARTOON
E. WHAT I LEARNED
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