Loss of Innocence: Aging men through the War
The lost generation is one that was hopeful for their life ahead of them; only to be crushed by the harrowing experiences of World War I. The war caused many soldiers to lose their innocence, much like those we see in All Quiet on the Western Front. Nationalism plays a key role in premature responsibility and pressure on these men. Propaganda influences soldiers and their feelings towards the war, which they will later realize to be false. The final contribution to soldiers’ loss of innocence is the contrast of the front and life back home.
The illusion of nationalism among citizens blinds young men into enlisting. The government tells civilians that their country can easily win the war. Soldiers are told that their country is the best, and that the men that stay home are cowards. For most, because of nationalism, joining the war is a normal response. Others who question the decision are seen as selfish. The reason men are so hesitant is that they barely know what they are fighting for. How could so arrogant to assume their country is the best when they aren’t educated on the facts? Kropp exlains in the novel by stating, “We are here to protect our …show more content…
Being in the military is advertised as a happy time, circled around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing war songs such as Keep the House Fires Burning or Pack Up Your Troubles (Maddocks). This false reality leaves men unprepared for the upcoming harrowing experiences they will endure. Paul explains how “no one had the vaguest idea what we were in for.” He describes his teacher Kantorek inspiring his whole class to join the front and how society bullies men into enlisting (11). The government takes advantage of a variety of advertising techniques such as bandwagoning, claims, and association. Men’s expectations for the war are met with the reality of harsh officers, filth, and
The lost generation is one that was hopeful for their life ahead of them; only to be crushed by the harrowing experiences of World War I. The war caused many soldiers to lose their innocence, much like those we see in All Quiet on the Western Front. Nationalism plays a key role in premature responsibility and pressure on these men. Propaganda influences soldiers and their feelings towards the war, which they will later realize to be false. The final contribution to soldiers’ loss of innocence is the contrast of the front and life back home.
The illusion of nationalism among citizens blinds young men into enlisting. The government tells civilians that their country can easily win the war. Soldiers are told that their country is the best, and that the men that stay home are cowards. For most, because of nationalism, joining the war is a normal response. Others who question the decision are seen as selfish. The reason men are so hesitant is that they barely know what they are fighting for. How could so arrogant to assume their country is the best when they aren’t educated on the facts? Kropp exlains in the novel by stating, “We are here to protect our …show more content…
Being in the military is advertised as a happy time, circled around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and singing war songs such as Keep the House Fires Burning or Pack Up Your Troubles (Maddocks). This false reality leaves men unprepared for the upcoming harrowing experiences they will endure. Paul explains how “no one had the vaguest idea what we were in for.” He describes his teacher Kantorek inspiring his whole class to join the front and how society bullies men into enlisting (11). The government takes advantage of a variety of advertising techniques such as bandwagoning, claims, and association. Men’s expectations for the war are met with the reality of harsh officers, filth, and