What Are The Effects Of Paul's Transformation In All Quiet On The Western Front

The war had a very visible impact on soldiers, physically and mentally, as seen in Erich Maria Remarque's novel All Quiet on the Western Front. Paul Baumer, the main character, experiences the horrors of war firsthand through the intense mental and physical change; he has been transformed by his experiences. However, through his companionship with his fellow soldiers, he finds a strand of hope and support that pushes him through the war. Paul's physical transformation is extremely visible throughout All Quiet on the Western Front. He suffers from various injuries, including a gunshot wound to the leg and shrapnel wounds. These injuries not only cause physical pain but also affect his mental state. after being wounded, Paul experiences an overwhelming sense of depression, because he is separated from his soldiers and friends to get healed at the hospital."I am no longer a shuddering speck of existence, alone in the darkness; I belong to them and they to me; we all share the same fear and the same life… I am no longer a remnant of what was once a man, I am in

He becomes unaware to violence and death, a common occurrence for soldiers during war. Paul's experiences on the front line, such as watching his friend die slowly and painfully, also contribute to his mental breakdown. Paul becomes very upset with the war, knowing that the leaders who started the war didn't experience the same suffering as soldiers on the front line. He feels betrayed, as he realizes that normal people do not understand the reality and weight of war. "We are forlorn like children, and experienced like old men, we are crude and sorrowful and superficial—I believe we are lost."(Remarques 123) This quote goes to show Paul's disappointment with the war and his feelings of separation. However, Paul's companionship with his fellow soldiers provides him with a sense of belonging that helps him cope with his mental