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Identity In Paul Baumer's War

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Baumer feels he loses his purpose in life because of the brutality of the war. Prior to enlisting in the war, Paul is an emotional, artistic boy. After a prolonged period of time in the war, Baumer returns to his home on leave, and looks through his books, he says, “I stand there dumb. As before a judge. Dejected. Words, words, words—they do not reach me.”(173) Baumer is not able to feel his passion for books. Prior to the war, Paul loves his books deeply. Baumer is unable to understand and comprehend the meaning of what he is reading. Baumer can only understand fear and violence like the war. Baumer’s identity is changed to the point that he has transformed into a cold and practical being, unable to relate to things he could relate to before
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