All Quiet on the Western Front

1.  Why does Paul refer to his generation as a “waste land”?

 

Because their generation is all fighting in the war.

 

2.  Who is Corporal Himmelstoss?

 

A training officer who hates Paul and his friends.

 

3.  What prejudice does Paul have against small men?  Why?

 

Because Himmelstoss is short and is mean to them.

 

4.  How do Paul and Kropp get revenge on Himmelstoss?

 

On the last day of training they ambush him and beat him up.

 

5.  According to Paul, what is the finest thing to arise from the war?

 

Comradeship. They grew almost like a family.

 

6.  What makes Kemmerich’s death so personal for Paul?

 

He was the first one of Paul's friends to die and he died a horrible death. They also grew up together.

 

7.  What is significant about Kemmerich’s telling Paul to take the boots for Muller?

 

He knows that he is going to die and he wants his boots to go to good use by helping Muller.

 

8.  What is the great hunger Paul feels after Kemmerich’s death?

 

Life.

 

9.  Describe the character of Paul from what you have learned in the first two chapters.

 

He was desensitized by the war when he used to be sensitive.

 

10.  Kemmerich’s death illustrates part of the central message of the novel.  Do you have an idea of what this message is?

 

War changes people.