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

Many individuals from countless locations in the world and time periods have experienced the horrors of war. War is nothing new to the world. The world is divided and ruled due to the aftermath of war. Many novels have been created due to the horrific scenes and occurrences of the war. One particular novel that stands above all due to the powerful theme and story is the novel written by Erich Maria Remarque. Remarque is known for many of his novels, but his most powerful and brilliant is his novel All Quiet on the Western Front. All Quiet on the Western Front is a narrative told by the main character, Paul Baumer. Paul is a young 19 year-old-man who was influenced by his schoolmaster to enlist in the German army on the French front in World

One symbol that is used dramatically is the death of Kemmerich. In the novel, Remarque writes, “Death is working itself from within. It already has comrade in the eyes” (14). Kemmerich is symbolized as death. As Kemmerich dies, it is easy for Paul and his comrades to see death creeping over his body. His death symbols how quickly life can end. Death becomes a symbol that drains the life out of Kemmerich. Another piece of symbolism that is used is the theft of Kemmerich’s watch. Remarque states, “While he was unconscious someone stole his watch” (12). Kemmerich’s watch symbolizes the callous regard for the life of a dying soldier. A wounded soldier’s items are cared more for than saving the life of the wounded. On a deeper level, it symbolizes how the soldier no longer has any time left. The war has robbed them of their lives just as the criminal has robbed Kemmerich. The most powerful piece of symbolism is one that is carried on throughout the novel. Kemmerich’s boot travel from soldier to soldier. However, wherever the boots are found a lifeless body seems to be in them. In the novel, Remarque says, from within another character named Muller, “Will you be taking them with you” (16). This quote explains how losing a comrade comes so easily and naturally during the war. In a normal setting there would be mourning and sorrow. In war, the soldiers become uncompassionate, and the value of life

The book is a beautiful read that keeps the reader on their toes, biting at the bit from the first chapter to the very last page. The book should be required for all high school students to read due to that the age to enter the draft is eighteen, and they could be entering these conditions, like Paul, at the age of nineteen. This book efficiently and effectively allows readers of all ages to understand how cruel war is and how soldiers fighting for the United States could easily be in the situations that are ongoing in the novel. It creates an eye-opening experience for today’s generation by building a greater appreciation for what soldiers sacrifice going into war. Remarque’s style is effective as it uses imagery, similes, symbolism and a powerful theme. Each device used within the novel serves a purpose to the novel’s power and brilliance. Without the devices, the book would lack the effectiveness to connect on a deeper level with the reader. The novel yields a name that is well earned. “The greatest war novel of all time” could not describe the novel any more brilliantly and