In the novel titled All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque depicts Corporal Himmelstoss as a cruel man who abuses and demeans the men under his command. There is no stated reason for this but after analyzing the book, it can be inferred that Himmelstoss treated the men in such a harsh manner because he is insecure, cowardly, and sadistic. Himmelstoss is described as “a small undersized fellow…[who] was in civil life a postman” (Remarque 23). Thus, Himmelstoss’ job is not that well-paying and he has an average physical appearance, being short and possessing a big moustache, so he makes up for what he lacks in looks and station by abusing his power. Cowardice also plays a big role in terms of Himmelstoss’ savagery because in order to verify himself and assert that he is an important figure in the war, when in reality he hides from it, he torments the men.