Essays on All Quiet on the Western Front

While many novels contain profound truths, often these truth are not accepted, either when the novel is written or at a later date.  This often results in a novel being published, only to be banned by one government or another at a later date, or to find its way into the halls of fame years or even decades after its publication.  All Quiet on the Western Front, written by Erich Maria Remarque in the 1920s, is an excellent example.  The novel follows the experiences of a young German man, Paul Bäumer, from the time he and several friends join the German army voluntarily during World War I.

Inspired by the patriotic speeches of a teacher, Paul and his friends voluntarily enlist in the German army during World War I.  Paul and his friends undergo ten weeks of brutal training, tormented by Corporal Himmelstoss.  Transitioning from this to the brutality of war sours the dream of glory and honor, revealing the concept of patriotism as mere words used to inspire young men, but meaning nothing when confronted with the reality of war.

Over the weeks and months that follow, Paul begins to realize that the soldiers they are fighting are no different than he and his friends.  Talk begins between the friends.  One speculates that if the officers were forced to eat the same food and were paid the same as the other soldiers, wars would end more quickly.  Another argues that leaders should fight it out with clubs.  All agree that those who come into power become arrogant during war, never having to risk injury themselves by sending young men such as Paul and his friends to fight in their stead.

The Nazi’s at the beginning of World War II banned this novel and its sequel, The Road Back.  With the truths the novels revealed about the nature of war, it is easy to understand why the Nazis wouldn’t want them being read.  The banning of books doesn’t just happen for political reasons, but for alleged community morality standards.  Essays on the reasons for such banning and the effects novels like this have on society and the decisions we make can be challenging to write.  Fortunately our staff of professional writers loves such challenges.  Students can take advantage of this fact by placing a simple order through our privacy protecting Internet system.  We look forward to your order.