"All Quiet on the Western Front" is the testament of German solider Paul Brummer during World War I. He fights alongside his best friends in a constant struggle for humanity. Brummer has been at the battlefield before and shares his knowledge of human experiences. The quote below is narrated by Brummer as they storm into battle.
“At the sound of the first droning of the shells we rush back, in one part of our being, a thousand years. By the animal instinct that is awakened in us we are led and protected. It is not conscious; it is far quicker, much more sure, less fallible, than consciousness. . . . It is this other, this second sight in us, that has thrown us to the ground and saved us, without our knowing how. . . . We march up, moody or good-tempered soldiers—we reach the zone where the front begins and become on the instant human animals.”
This statement is very interesting and defines why "All Quiet on the Western Front" was written. I believe that Paul is describing the alteration of man into beast during warfare. By the use of his words “good-tempered soldiers” and “human animals” it is apparent that he is telling how ordinary men are completely altered in light of rushing into battle. He tells us that he is awakened by the gunfire and the whole process is unconscious. Paul is illustrating the men as “human animals” because of the state of action they are in. Killing surrounds evey soldier and is a constant thought rushing through their minds. According to Brummer, men can be completely changed by the shellshocks of gunfire and warfare. This is true in all battlefields as mankind adapts to the current environment. They become beasts and their alterations are based on the actions surrounding them. By living in a killing environment, one must learn how to kill. He also tells us that the arena is very surreal; men not knowingly move out of danger by falling to the ground. Paul believes that this is their “second sight” and this is what keeps them alive. It is almost like he is implying that the battles they endure are animalistic and eventually torment a human’s humanity.
The young men are experiencing what no man wants to go through. War is often called hell, but what these soldiers contend with is even worse. They suffer death at first hand every day. Friends die and enemies are killed. It is a constant struggle of eye for an eye. The constant bombardments of thousands of rounds are just of a taste of their duty. War is a very ugly thing – something mankind must live with forever.
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3 comments:
Ryan, this is an awsome response/ i totally agree with you.
I also belive that this men are ready to fight, theres nothing thats it going to stop them, to defend themselves.
I also like how, you used this quote "It is a constant struggle of eye for an eye" this quote show exactly how this people are going to go thrught until the end
Ryan I agree with your blog. In the book Paul is in a kill or be killed environment witch makes him and his friends man animals. I think that unsanitary living conditions contribute to Paul and his friend’s mental torment. I think that they are starting to question their country’s government when they start questioning why they the common citizens have to fight and die for something they don’t believe in. I am not sure but I think there is a chance they might try to desert. I thought your blog was well written and brought up many important parts in the book so far well done.
Ryan,
I feel as if your response to this quote was precisely the same views I share. As far as when you talk about the "stat of unconsciousness" that the men acquire when in the battle environment. That they are no longer acting as human beings or individuals. However you I feel that this point came across far for dominantly and grammatically correct in your response, at lest in comparison to mine. So I felt the need to let you know : ]
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