All Quiet on the Western Front Summary 11

Since man has walked on earth, he had always been in conflict with himself.   For centuries, there have been many fierce battles fought among rival groups over big issues such as land, to silly arguments over pride.   Over time we have seen the end result of these wars, the mass deaths and destruction of civilizations, and the deterioration of the individuals left to live with the horrors they had encountered.   In the books “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque and “The Wars” by Timothy Findley, there is clear evidence of the nature of war.   The propaganda and disciplinary training to convince naïve young men to go to battle to fight for their country, the death of their comrades, and the physical breakdown are all part of twentieth century warfare.   With all the effort of preparation, discipline, and anticipation, false hopes were created for the young individuals, which leave the battlefields with numerous emotional and physical scars.
Paul Baumer is the main character in “All Quiet on the Western Front”, and Robert Ross is the main character in “The Wars”.   Both boys were at a very young age when they were exposed to World War 1.   The war was getting worse as the days went by, and the soldiers were dying quickly.   The commanding officers felt it was best to convince young men to enter the war to support and fight for their country.   They were not told whom they were really fighting for, or the cause.   In Paul’s case, Germany was under attack from many sides, and it was best for him to head for the front lines and defend his fatherland.   Paul was almost “brainwashed” and was completely convinced that he was doing the right thing.
“Once it was different.   When we went to the district commandant to enlist, we were a class of twenty young men, many of whom proudly shaved for the first time before going to the barracks.   We had no definite plans for our future.   Our thoughts... [continues]

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