Nationalism In Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet On The Western Front

Germany flourished on the nationalism in the early 1900’s of its people, ready to encounter an attack at any moment and any time. People forget the decision of war until they are in the flame of its fire. In the novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque explains his war experience in World War 1 through a character, Paul Bumer—a kind and sensitive man. While in school, he used to write poems. Paul’s teacher brainwashed him and other students. He convinced them, by the idea of glory, and dramatic rhetorical for war and fighting for the sake of their country. After that dialog, the students were encouraged to enlist themselves and go to war. In the book, a critical theme arises: nationalism and being used as young youth not …show more content…
Kemmerich was awaiting his demise while at the hospital due to the extent of his pain caused by his injures. One of his comrades approached him, ignoring and oblivious to the situation Kemmerich was in, and asked him for his shoe since he will not be on his feet again. Consequently, the war transformed these young men; they had their heart and humanity removed from their chests. They were forced to leave their feelings behind and become disconnected from them so that they may survive battle. Nationalism is what killed humanity and innocence in this war. After experiencing the death of his comrades and the destruction of land, Paul felt mentally injured/handicapped. He does not see a future for him without war; yet, he cannot remember his life before it. The longer he stayed, the more he hated the war and all it stood for. All these feelings reflect the author’s views on war and how he perceived the people who endured …show more content…
It shows how these young men have been victimized by an ideology that some individuals still carry and believe. People do not realize what soldiers have to endure in battle. Additionally, it shows the remarkable connection that the soldiers have with one another. Soldiers fight for the same ideals and with the same passion for the sake of their land and glory. Of course, there is a price for this glory—destruction and loss of lives. Soldiers lose their loved ones too: Their friends, comrades and people of the same passion. Paul Bumer loses all his comrades and classmates; some were shot, others were shred to pieces or gone missing. Not only did he lose his friends, but also towards the end, Paul lost his soul. The events that unfolded were not what he expected. He was promised a new life filled with glory for him and his friends. The teacher, who dragged these young men to war, did not survive and never met the glory he promised others. Paul and his friends faced the truth the minute they entered the field. In the end, they blamed the leaders because they were in control of everything, but from a safe