The Experience Of War In All Quiet on The Western Front
Damage Beyond Bullets
War erodes innocence and transforms vibrant young men into tattered and traumatized soldiers with impotent and colorless faces. Erich Maria Remarque wrote All Quiet on the Western Front in 1928 to explain the atrocious realities of the catastrophic first world war, better known as World War I. In this monumental war novel, the valiant soldiers have come to live by one phrase: survive together. Altering the lives of Paul, Tjaden, and Detering for the worse, World War I has mentally scarred the humble soldiers.
Paul, the narrator, experiences the desolation of war first hand and he strives to resist despair. Initially, Paul describes himself as an adolescent boy who enjoys poetry, but he grows lonely and cynical after exposure to the gruesome reality of war. As Paul explains his situation, “we were eighteen and had begun to love life and the world; and we had to shoot it to pieces” (88), he regrets the experiences that have stolen his innocence. Impulsively, Paul kills Gerard Duval, an enemy soldier, and his remorse overwhelms him. Lamenting his actions, Paul tells the dead soldier, “‘Comrade, I did not want to kill you. If you jumped in here again, I would not do it’” (223 ) and he mourns the senseless loss of another young life. Near the end of his journey, the trepidations of war overtake Paul’s mind completely. Contemplating to himself, “I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow” (263), Paul realizes his future is empty with no family and no happy memories besides the safety of shell holes and forts. Paul recognizes the bleakness of his current reality and hopelessness of his future.
Like Paul, Tjaden struggles to accept the hardships of war. For example, Tjaden enjoys big meals and the war’s small rations are preventing him from satisfying his huge appetite. As Tjaden reminisces about his national dish of broad-beans and bacon, he exclaims, “‘for God’s sake, let it all be cooked together, not the potatoes, the beans, and the bacon separately’” (38), he demonstrates his intense craving for delicious and well-prepared food which he receives rarely and misses sorely. In addition, Himmelstoss’ torture creates psychological distress for Tjaden and the soldier desires revenge. In the midst of a squad conversation about future plans, Tjaden says that he would “‘see that Himmelstoss didn’t get past me’” (80). Clearly, Tjaden detests Himmelstoss and wants retribution. Lastly, Tjaden fails to appreciate the international offenses that have caused the war; thus, those grievances fail to motivate soldierly activity. During a conversation about justifications for war, Tjaden states, “‘then I haven’t any business here at all, I don’t feel myself offended’” (204), and he alludes to his disapproval of the war as well as the mortal danger it has created for him and his comrades. Though his understanding is simple, he recognizes that deep despair dwells in the hearts and minds of soldiers during combat.
As a soldier, Detering, endures mental anguish during his enlistment. As a civilian, Detering earns his living as a farmer who cherishes animals; in particular, he is “very fond of horses” (63). For this former farmer on the front-line, hearing the cries of wounded horses is intolerable; Detering hears his beloved horses suffering from afar and cries “‘God! For God’s sake! Shoot them’” (62). Witnessing the suffering of animals enrages this quiet peasant. Similarly, Detering feels apprehension about his life back home as he “thinks of nothing but his farm-yard and his wife” (3). During a conversation about plans for the future, Detering explains he would “‘go straight on with harvesting,’” though “he is worried” because “his wife has to look after the farm” and “they’ve already taken away two or more of his horses” (80). Clearly, the war creates anxiety because it threatens Detering’s family life and livelihood. In the end, mental anguish overwhelms Detering who leaves the safety of the billet. Prior to his departure, he picks cherry blossoms because “‘I have a big orchard with cherry trees at home’” (276) and the blossoms intensify his homesickness; however, the military police catch him and “we have heard nothing more of Detering” (277). The farmer indulges a cherished memory and perishes.
The experience of war has derailed the lives of Paul, Tjaden and Detering and broken their spirits. Their overexposure to the atrocious realities of World War I has desensitized them to suffering and death and destroyed their capacity for hope. The loss of a human life seems no more significant than a leaf falling from a tree. War strips men of their ability to think rationally and relate emotionally, but without these traits humans cannot interact and live as caring individuals who cherish the gift of life.
