Examples Of Camaraderie In All Quiet On The Western Front

900 Words4 Pages

“All for one, and one for all.” This quote has been uttered for centuries ever since it became synonymous with the story of The Three Musketeers. Since then, it has stood as a sign for loyalty, friendship, and even camaraderie. Within All Quiet on The Western Front, the author, Erich Remarque, is trying to make the point to the readers that camaraderie during conflict is an important instrument in achieving success. To develop this theme, the author uses interactions between the characters, as well as the treatment of the enemy, and finally all of the characters working towards a common goal. One way that Remarque develops camaraderie is through the interactions between the main characters. One such interaction is the brawl with Himmelstoss. …show more content…

Another such event that develops camaraderie in the book is the point at which Kat saves Paul from the gas attack. As they are lying …show more content…

One such important event is Paul being kind towards the Russian prisoners he is guarding. He notices that they are starving and that they are begging for cigarettes. So he removes the cigarettes and individually snaps them into pieces and then giving them to the prisoners (194). Additionally, he shares multiple potato pancakes with the POWS (198). This kindness develops friendly relations between the two groups and shows that both sides are able to treat each other as humans and not just animals. In many ways it develops comradeship between the two as they begin to see each other as equals. Another important event is when Paul cares for the young soldier he kills. He looks at the young man and tries to let him know that he wants to provide aid so the young soldier will not be in pain (219). Paul even reaches down for his canteen and when he cannot find it goes and collects water from the ground which the man rapidly drinks (219-220). This shows camaraderie because Paul is feeling guilty for killing this young man and because of this he works to help the young man by making his last hours on Earth less painful. In each situation, Paul simply shows each individual kindness. Just by doing this he is displaying camaraderie in conflict and how it makes one successful – because it teaches one to be compassionate towards