All Quiet On The Western Front Essay To Be Human

To be Human: A Classic Example

Literature gives us beautifully written classic novels that give insight to the thinking of humanity at the time. Literature is easily romanticized which covers the truth of a particular event. Books, such as All Quiet on the Western Front, give insight to the realities of war and the definition of being human, making it a worthwhile read, regardless of it being an emotionally difficult read. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is a worthwhile classic because it accurately depicts what it means to be human through the horrors of war.

All Quiet on the Western Front is a beneficial read, because it uses man’s personal insignificance in war to define humanity. Time passes and war breathes depression and death over the men. Rumors of an offensive travel through the German lines. Paul reflects and says, “Over us, Chance overs. If a shot comes, we can duck, that is all; we

After weeks in the trench, Paul says, “I become faint, all at once I cannot do anymore. I wont revile anymore. It is senseless. I could drop down and never rise up”(53). Paul continues to live, regardless of his feelings, because the human will to survive is stronger than immediate feelings. Remarque posing this strong instinctual will to survive makes it a good read. The German soldiers become weary after bombardments, food shortages and vermin problems. Paul says, “We see time pass in the colourless faces of the dying, we cram food in to us, we run, we throw, we shoot, we kill, and lie about, we are feeble and spent, and nothing supports us...”(133). The soldier’s daily routine becomes mechanical, even savage. This uncovers humans’ intense desire to survive, even to the point of degrading themselves to a savage level. Thus it is worthwhile because Remarque uncovers the profound need of instinctual survival humans