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Literary Elements In All Quiet On The Western Front

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In the deeply sorrowful novel All Quiet on the Western Front, young protagonist Paul Baumer serves as an example for how World War I effects soldiers not only physically but also psychologically. Author Erich Maria Remarque illustrates the horrific truth of the battle front through use of literary elements such as onomatopoeia and metaphors. Remarque strips all romanticized stereotypical ideas of war and serves readers a plate full of flat out tragic reality. The trauma filled scene in the novel in which Baumer defends his life and kills the enemy soldier, Gerard Duval, displays a perfect example of what every soldier has to go through. Most important in the disturbing moment is not what is going on outside of Baumer but the turmoil and conflict …show more content…

He is fear struck again but this time he is ready to attack. Shortly after an enemy soldier does jump into the shell hold and Baumer acts on impulse, much like an animal, striking a dagger into the man's chest three times. Talk about a grave encounter. Remarque is able to highlight the dehumanizing actions these men have to go through. Baumer’s perspective warps when experiencing death so close and so real, especially a death that he causes. The soldier does not die instantly and Baumer tries his best to not look at the man out of fear of facing the hurtful reality is his doing. As the man dies he makes fearful eye contact with Baumer and as Baumer recognizes the terror in his eyes. The realization hits him that the fear and pain this man was going through was his fault. He sees the enemy as a human, as an actual man fighting in the war just as he is. He finally understands how precious a human life is. This gruesome moment provides a clear example of how the killing in World War I causes Baumer to disconnect from what is right and how killing in the way he just did had such a dehumanizing effect. He “killed the printer, Gerald Duval. (225)” Baumer starts to look at this man as a brother than an enemy. He can feel and relate the this stranger more than his very own family. His last words to the man were, “ "We always see it too late ... that you are poor devils like us.(223)” “I would give so much if he would but stay alive, (221),” Baumer begs as his thoughts fill with guilt. “His death is my doing...this is the first time I’ve killed a man in hand to hand combat (221),” Baumer and his thoughts begin to spiral out of control as he becomes more and more vulnerable. He starts to experience the psychological impact killing a man has on a person. “Forgive me comrade...(223)”,Baumer begs the

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