Quiet on the Western Front Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 663 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2



Corporal Himmelstoss is also an interesting figure in describing the relationship between authority and subordinates, and the author goes to greater length to create this character rather than the case of the schoolmaster, who has a brief appearance in the beginning of the book. As a noncommissioned training officer, Himmelstoss is the best example of an individual who grows from a subordinate position before the war (he had been a postman) to one where he can actually exercise authority. The power he receives makes him exercise it in a mean manner with Paul and the rest of the young soldiers. The authority does not translate in coordinating the subordinates and in creating the appropriate framework for them to evolve in, but simply in making them as miserable as possible.

This is probably also because authority separates people. As soon as battle starts, the corporal becomes much more humane. The reason for this is that he is practically one of the soldiers now and the lines of authority and power are less obvious in fighting conditions, when the terrible conditions seem to equalize the scale of authority.

Stuck Writing Your "Quiet on the Western Front" Essay?

View All Our Example Quiet on the Western Front Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



The attitude of German soldiers to German civilians is probably determined by the perception that the soldiers have, once in the war and in battle, that they belong to a different world, with new realities and where the only relations that continue to matter are those with your fellow soldiers. This is probably most clear in the encounters that Paul has with his family, first during his visit home and then during the visit that his father and sister pay him.

The feeling of alienation is clear in both of these. The relatives find little or nothing to talk about, most notably the mother's illness or other irrelevant topics. Paul does not necessarily encourage this situation, but he certainly understands it and makes no attempt to change it in any way. He understands that he is now part of a….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Quiet On The Western Front" (2009, August 06) Retrieved July 1, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/quiet-western-front-20082

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Quiet On The Western Front" 06 August 2009. Web.1 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/quiet-western-front-20082>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Quiet On The Western Front", 06 August 2009, Accessed.1 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/quiet-western-front-20082
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example