Although the novel is told from the German POV, what universal view does it offer of war?
In Erich Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front”, World War I is displayed looking through the eyes of the German, creating an interesting perspective. Through his details and meaningful diction, Remarque demonstrates his thoughts toward the war; he sees it as a gruesome, terrible and horrific event. The bleak prospect of sitting in a trench for such an extreme amount of time takes a toll on Remarque mentally and physically. Once each day is finished and bodies are being thrown into carts and disposed of, the realization dawns on Remarque in that there is so little purpose each person's life is serving here. At the end of the day, nothing is achieved apart from misery. Although this book is from the German point of view, the reader can tell that the same bleakness and misery is occurring for not only the German side, but for their enemies side as well.
Dear Hugh,
ReplyDeleteThis was very well written and I agree with what you have said. WW1 was known as a gruesome war and this book isn't just describing the German part, it shows a more universal part of being a soldier. This book is meant for anyone wanting to be a soldier anywhere during that time and explains that the glorification of war does not exist on the front lines. This is further explained in chapter 4, when they actually go to the fight to help out.
Thank you very much for your considerate comment that made my day. I am ecstatic knowing that others share my view over this wonderfully written novel.
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