Character Chart For All Quiet On The Western Front
Written by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet On The Western Front is a novel that provides an insightful perspective on the experiences of German soldiers during the First World War. The book is centered around the life of Paul Baumer, who enlists in the army with his classmates at the age of 19. Throughout the novel, Baumer and his friends encounter numerous challenges that shape their character and worldview. This article will provide a character chart for some of the main characters in the novel.
Paul Baumer
Paul Baumer is the protagonist of the novel and the narrator. He is a sensitive and thoughtful individual who is deeply affected by the horrors of war. Throughout the novel, Baumer struggles to reconcile his experiences on the battlefield with his pre-war ideals. He is also deeply affected by the loss of his friends, which leads him to question the purpose and meaning of war.
Albert Kropp
Albert Kropp is one of Baumer's closest friends and a fellow soldier. He is a highly intelligent individual who is critical of the war and the military leadership. Kropp is also physically disabled during the war, which further reinforces his disillusionment with the conflict.
Franz Kemmerich
Franz Kemmerich is another one of Baumer's friends who enlists in the army. However, he is killed early on in the war, which deeply affects Baumer and the other soldiers. Kemmerich's death is a poignant reminder of the senselessness and brutality of war.
Stanislaus Katczinsky
Stanislaus Katczinsky, or Kat, is an older soldier who becomes a mentor to Baumer and the other soldiers. He is a wise and practical individual who is able to navigate the challenges of the war through his experience and knowledge. Kat's death is another poignant reminder of the senselessness of war.
Himmelstoss
Himmelstoss is a former postman who becomes a drill instructor in the army. He is a sadistic individual who enjoys abusing his power over the soldiers. Himmelstoss serves as a symbol of the cruelty and inhumanity of war.
Kantorek
Kantorek is Baumer's former schoolmaster who encouraged him and his classmates to enlist in the army. He is portrayed as a misguided and ignorant individual who fails to understand the true nature of war. Kantorek serves as a symbol of the older generation's failure to understand the experiences of the younger generation.
Conclusion
All Quiet On The Western Front is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the experiences of German soldiers during the First World War. The character chart provided in this article highlights some of the main characters in the novel and their significance. Through the experiences of these characters, the novel provides a poignant reminder of the senselessness and brutality of war.