Chapter 1It is mid-day and the fighting is over. At recount, only eighty out of one hundred-fifty men from Second Company remain. The cook, Ginger, resists feeding us the leftover rations he has prepared. We persist like mad beasts for the food, and he gives in. He is nothing, but a man in uniform using power to make us abide by the rules. He is ignorant, for there is no such thing as law on the battlefield. All that exists in war is fear and violence; men destroying each other for their own survival. Our schoolmaster Kantorek lectured us on the ideal of “Father Land.” His words were pressuring me into joining something I don’t want to be a part of. Anything I’ve been taught about morality is shattered before my eyes as I see my comrades blown to pieces. All that remains of them are the blood stains on our uniforms. What I know of childhood is long forgotten.
Chapter VocabDixie- a large cooking pan, “He glanced into the Dixie.” (Remarque, 6)
Billet- quarters or lodging of military personnel, “We stroll over to the meadow behind the billets.” (Remarque, 7)
Chapter 2 I remember when my friends and I decided to follow Kantorek’s words and enlist in the military. I was foolish to believe words from a man who has not seen what little value of glory is in war. My innocence is what led me to this mess. Himmelstoss our training officer took advantage of the little power he had and abused it to gain pleasure from our torment. All day a few friends and I repeated the same drill procedures more than twice. In school, I wrote poetry and read plays; it is a passion that has been destroyed along with the innocence I carried as a child since war is not an art, but rather a grotesque game for those who never have seen the front. Training has taught me the importance of survival, but the battlefield is not a circus. I visited Kemmerich at his final moments. His face is pale as silk and his hands are slick with sweat. His dream of becoming a forester still remains with him. He is still innocent dreams like a child. Most of us filled our holes of naiveté with viciousness and thick-skin. And this thick-skin has saved us more than once in battle. The doctor came too late before Kemmerich could be revived. I take his items and give Muller his boots. As he crossed the threshold from life to death, I hoped that Kemmerich finds a peaceful place to rest.
Chapter VocabPettifogging- to bicker,” one would not ask of the meanest servants… and a thousand pettifogging details.” (Remarque, 22)
Renunciation- the act of abandoning, “With our… awakened eyes we saw that the classical conception of Father Land held by our teachers resolved itself here into a renunciation of personality” (Remarque, 22)
Chapter 3Less than half of Second Company remains, replacements arrive and fill the spots of those dead. Kat and I call them infants because they’ve had little training to prepare and are ignorant of the war’s brutality. Just like Kemmerich and Behm they are innocent and still young. It is a risky attempt to restock troops swiftly since training for battle cannot be forced down children’s throats like food. In war, men are desperate. Most are bound to be killed since the firing of guns and artillery shells are frightening at first. Like me and the rest of the old folk, toughness is earned by relying on instinct, and instinct does not rely on knowledge. It is a part of human nature that enables us to survive in such times when morality is but a mere definition. Planes find our forces near the front and bombard us. Kat finds loaves of bread, a pan, salt, and fat for a meal. Stacks of straw are provided to sleep on. His scavenging skills rival a dog’s ability of scent. The bombardment continues and I sit down to watch the planes battle; it seems that in war, it isn’t enough for men to take control of the ground, but the heavens as well.
Chapter VocabDisgruntled- to make discontent,” Disgruntled, he counts out the money from his wallet.” (Remarque, 43)
Chapter 4
British troops are gaining control of more land and the trenches are in need of repair. Wire is placed around the trenches to keep enemy forces from invading the trench. My hand was ripped open when I first placed wire. With that kind of an injury, it is hard to grip a rifle. Then Kat noticed we took artillery fire from the British troops and hour too early. We wander away from the ambush and spot some geese. I already know what tonight’s menu is. Sour fumes and dark smoke linger in the air as they reload. Soon, the ambush resumes. The recruits are anxious like frightened children and seek the hospitality of the trench. One of the recruits is overwhelmed with fear and I seek to comfort, so he may stay alive. It is strange; I offer him kindness yet I don’t feel anything toward him. After the attack, Kat and I teach them to understand what kind of artillery the British fire at us and how to avoid it. Second Company is short on soldiers so I feel desperate to keep our forces at a stable level. I rest to keep in mind gear so my instincts don’t fail me.
I’m awakened by the cries of Detering. I see horses in pain and Detering heartbroken. He aims his rifle at the Horses to end their suffering, but is stopped and the British troops finish them. After the deed is done, Detering is sick and wild with anger. I understand him because innocent and majestic creatures such as horses should roam free in the plains, not the battlefield.
The next morning the British continue their siege, and our only protection is the coffins in the cemetery. Kat also warns us that gas is being used and I immediately grabbed for my mask. The recruit I comforted in an earlier attack is mortally wounded. Kat suggests that he should be put of his misery to avoid many days of pain. Medics arrive, but their bandages will do no more good than our bullets.
Chapter Vocab
Lorries- British motor trucks
Acrid- irritating to the eyes, “The air becomes acrid with smoke of the guns” (Remarque, 52)
Chapter 5
The lice linger in our clothes and food; a threat like the British troops. One reduces our numbers the other diminishes our supplies. Fortunately Tjaden kills them with a flame. News has it that Himmelstoss has been sent to the front. Tjaden disobeys his orders with pleasure. Himmelstoss is furious and requests court-martial. However, due to his superiority complex Himmelstoss cannot see that the front is not a circus for his entertainment. The Lieutenant gives Tjaden a light sentence since he failed to acknowledge a superior. Kat and I find a goose and kill for a roast. The day dies and night is born. We are in each other’s company. To me, Kat is a father in this catastrophe. He is equal in rank, yet he leads us like a leader. Unlike the officers, Kat knows what it means to have responsibility when one is given power. The sky is decorated by man’s tools of destruction. With generosity and minds at peace, Kat and I sit next to each other like father and son.
Chapter Vocab
Tedious- long and tiresome, “Killing each separate louse is a tedious business” (Remarque, 75)
Moors- to fix in place, “There’s a mean little hut on the moors” (Remarque, 79)
Chapter 6Second Company continues to be pinned down at the front, while the numbers of French and British forces increase. I stroll by a school that is no longer a place of growth, but another structure torn apart by the hostility of man. Stacks of coffins freshly made from sweet pine await us. I feel as though an impaling ice spreads along my body when I’m on the front. Any moment feels as though my distance from death’s clutches shortens. It’s as though I’m expected to die. We are expandable playing pieces of a game. Just grunts to do another man’s dirty work. As if lice weren’t troublesome enough corpse rats invade to deprive of us of food. If food isn’t available the small fiends reclaim the bodies of men. I deal with these ugly brutes by slicing them with my spade, but most flee. The British artillery opens fire and the trenches no longer offer protection, but the terrified recruits are desperate seek shelter. My and Kat’s attempts to save them were futile as we watch the green soldiers flail into panic. The allied forces attempt to invade our fallen sanctuary, but our instinct is too great to admit defeat. Through the sight of my rifle I see Frenchmen retreat and drop from the shots I fire. Like the rest of us, I aim to kill. The chance to invade the allied forces’ trench has finally. We run like rabid dogs, to bite our victims returning the same dosage of punishment. Suddenly, I stopped to peer down to what I thought was another green recruit. To my surprise, it was Himmlestoss who was panicked by the agonizing reality of war. My blood boiled as my mind clouded with rage I kick and scream at him like a beast. He finally stands and fights by the orders of a lieutenant. Such men who abuse power never understand the ruthless, intolerant reality of war.
It is autumn and roll call count of troops is due. Now only thirty-two of a hundred and fifty remain. Second Company is at a near end.
Chapter VocabPocket torches- flashlights, “Detering, Kropp, and Kat hold their pocket torches ready.” (Remarque, 102)
Parapet- a defensive wall, “We toss the bits of rats over the parapet” (Remarque 103)
Chapter 7
Second Company is weary from battle and is in major need of reinforcements. I need rest, for my instincts keep me awake due to sheer terror and fear of death. Himmelstoss knows his place in the front since he cowered from battle. His ego is humbled by the grim truth of how ugly war really is; for honor and glory do not exist in something that is meaningless. Kropp and I walk since there is nothing better to do, and we come across posters of exotic dancers. The girls remind me of the fantasies I had as a teenage boy, but the feelings are hopelessly lost. My nerves are as a cold as the rifle’s metal trigger. Anything of my childhood is just a distant recording of events. Love, joy, and sorrow, memories are meant to be filled with emotion.
I come across a canal with Leer and Kropp following me. We swim, and the cool water relaxes the withered muscles of my body. Three French girls are by the canal as well; we flirt with them and offer food. They accept the offer and in return invite us to their home. I eye the petite brunette of the three. She seems more interested in the food we bring than us. The other two are as flirtatious as we are. Leer and Kropp run off with the two girls. Only the girl and I are left at the table. I don’t want to force her into physical pleasure; a girl like her does not belong in a brothel. With her as company I’m suddenly overwhelmed with a softness that diminishes the cold that coursed through my body. The place of my own heart is familiar to me once again as it tries to restore a bliss that once thrived before it was crushed by war.
I’m awarded a seventeen day pass back to home. My mother is ill with cancer and my father urges me to wear my uniform. I cannot connect with my family as easily as before. It seems I don’t remember these people. Mother counts my days left on my pass. Before I leave, I need to tell Kemmerich’s mother that her son is dead. I lie to her and said his death was quick, but she saw through my lies like thin cloth. She burst into tears knowing I couldn’t protect him. My place here is long gone, and without friends, I’m utterly lost.
Chapter Vocab
Bon ami- good friend, “ssh! Camerade – bon ami” (Remarque, 147)
Importune- to make improper advances, “At the same time I fear to importune it too much” (Remarque, 172-173)
Chapter 8
After my pass expired, I’m sent back to the training camp to sharpen my senses. My return to the front is inevitable and I worry about the safety of my friends. The training camp now serves as a POW facility. Emaciated Russian soldiers are seen in cells as the spiteful peasants jest at them with food. Father and sister return to visit me again before I leave. It pains me to hear that my mother’s death is certain. At the end of father’s visit, potato cakes and jam are given to me from mother. I stare at the Russian prisoners. Feeling guilty, I share what meager food I have. War affects us all the same.
Chapter Vocab
Dysentery- an infectious disease dealing with inflammation of the lungs, “But to wait for dysentery is not much of a life either.” (Remarque, 193)
Chapter 9 I’ve returned to Second Company, yet Kat, Kropp, Muller, and Tjaden are not to be found. No one knows where they are. I wait for two days until their arrival. When I found them, they seemed more dirty, worn, and apathetic than usual. I share the last of my cakes and jam as a treat for them. Kat is very fond of the cakes, and the thought of my mother brings tears to my eyes. We are given new uniforms for the Kaiser’s arrival. During his stay, Second Company is forced to perform drills in front of him for inspection. It’s painful to hold such rage to know how blind this fool really is. He cannot see the tattered men in his plain sight. After Iron Crosses are given out, we are forced to give up the clean uniforms. A useless piece of metal is no good to us as clean clothes are the real necessity. It only proves how selfish and arrogant these “superiors” really are. Second Company is ordered to obstruct Russian Advancement. In order to regain my instincts, I volunteer to spy on the troops. The night encloses around me like a thick dark blanket. Something drops to the ground and my heart pounds widely. Suddenly, my mind is overwhelmed with many flashing images flowing like a river into my head. The sound of Kat’s voice seizes my madness.
The invasion of Russian forces is bound to come, the bombardment has started. I take cover in a water filled hole. I’m only armed with my bayonet knife. I make for escape as the bombardment is at a halt, but my chances are ruined by an approaching enemy soldier. He makes for my hole; I seize his leg and thrust at his belly. His movements stop from the sharpness of my knife. The flash of a machine gun’s fury is bright enough for me to see the stains of blood on my hands. I turn the body upside and my eyes widen in disgust. My victim is not dead. Without thinking, I grope my belt for whatever medical resources I can find and treat his wounds. However, my actions are too late and the man’s soul is drifting from his body. For hours his gasps of pain sting me like hornets. Then his gasps become silent. I speak to him in hopes he will hear my apology. I return to the front carrying his name with me is weight on my soldiers. Later, my sympathy vanished and the ice coursed through me once more. Only to remind myself that war is war.
Chapter VocabPeevish- showing annoyance, “Everyone is peevish and touchy, we do not take kindly to all this polishing” (Remarque, 202)
Exasperate- to roughen up, “Such things exasperate a soldier more than a front line.” (Remarque, 202)
Chapter 10
Men of Second Company are sent to guard a village, and I’m glad Kat, Tjaden, Kropp, and Muller join with me. It’s an easy job; we stay in a cellar and gather various food items and feast on our meals. The smoke attracts enemy artillery and I warn the others to flee from the area. After our escape, we suffer from stomach sickness; it’s been a long time since I’ve tasted a decent meal. The acrid smoke of a cigar lingers in my mouth. The relaxing tobacco calms my stomach better than any medicine available.
For three weeks, we relax and enjoy the ease of our job. I’ve found a small kitten in the ruins of the cellar. The small animal is one of the many innocents left to die alone. However, the British troops have discovered the village location and we are forced to evacuate the civilians. Kropp takes a bullet in the thigh and I’m wounded in the arm and shin. We’re shipped to the hospital. The doctors are unclean and gloat over our pain. My leg is operated on, while Kropp’s leg is amputated. The doctors try to separate us, but I fight to keep us together. It seems that it is just as much as a war inside this place as outside.
Chapter VocabPerambulators- a person who makes an inspection on foot, “On the way we meet the fleeing inhabitants… and perambulators” (Remarque, 239)
Fastidious- hard to please, “Tjaden has become so fastidious” (Remarque, 238)
Chapter 11
The American and British troops are advancing and gaining more control of Germany’s territory. Second Company’s forces have diminished dramatically. Detering sees a blossom tree and attempts to retreat back to his home; he is court-martialed for doing so. Muller was shot in the stomach and bled to death slowly. He gave me Kemmerich’s boots before he died. Our military is short of guns and ammo. The artillery shells are worn and obsolete. The Kaiser once again acts desperately and orders the draft of young teenage boys. Allied forces drop them mercilessly; they don’t even shoot back. Surgeons are reckless and force patients back to the front shortly after an operation. Leer is shot in the hip and also dies from continuous bleeding. The men who I went to school with and fought alongside drop one by one at the hands of the allies; war is senseless and nothing but destruction. Soldiers are forced to abandon their knowledge to rely on instinct, discard their emotions, and watch their comrades being blown to pieces. Kat is the last of my friends and is shot in the shin. I went to visit him, but the doctor told me he died from an injury to the skull. After I became aware of Kat’s death, everything became silent and my mind was lost in the labyrinth of its own thoughts. I didn’t know whether to feel sad or grateful that his suffering finally came to an end.
Chapter Vocab
Banal- dull, unappealing, “If one wants to appraise it, it is at once heroic and banal” (Remarque, 272)
Shamefaced- humbled, “First we are soldiers and afterwards, in a strange shamefaced fashion, individual men as well.” (Remarque, 272)
Chapter 12 Autumn is born as summer withers away. The armistice is approaching and that’s when I’ll return back home. But I’ve long forgotten home and I’ll be lost. My childhood friends have been lost to senseless destruction and their family members now bear my sorrow. I’m the only one that remains of us. I feel alone in this war-torn world of mine; it’s taken everything I’ve ever known about joy, love, and knowledge. Yet the lasting friendship I’ve had with my comrades still resides in me. We’ve always been close to one another. We were more than friends; we were brothers. After I recover from my injuries, I’ll be sent back to the front again. When this war comes to an end, I’ll learn to find peace in my heart.
Chapter VocabArmistice- temporary suspension of hostility between forces, “Everyone talks of peace and armistice.” (Remarque, 293)
Superfluous- being more than sufficient, “We will be superfluous even to our selves… others will merely submit, and most will be bewildered.” (Remarque, 294)
Those who seek to consume the world try to bribe other countries by creating the illusion of a done deal when the agreement is really one-sided. For example, the Kaiser holds up the Zimmerman note in front of the Leader of Mexico saying, “Join with Germany and you get a bit of the United States.” This shows that Germany’s leaders are greedy since the word; “bit” was mentioned instead of portion, which exposes hypocrisy. Therefore the author labels, “Some promise” at the bottom to show that Germany is not a nation to trust.
When innocent lives are lost those who are in charge of the matter are responsible for taking evasive action. For example, Woodrow Wilson holds news, “American ships sunk.” He then revises the date for declaring war making it April 2 instead of April 16. This shows that Wilson wants to action upon those who threaten the U.S. so unnecessary deaths may be avoided. Likewise the author exposes that Germany is a threat and should be handled with swiftness. 
In times of a crisis, the government will persuade the people into “defending their country” by using propaganda. For example, the words in bold say, “I dare you to come out!” This shows that government persuades men to enlist by questioning their courage, which reaches out to ego and they eventually enlist. Also, the author makes it clear that the Kaiser opposes everything American. This shows that the government is not only questioning courage, but patriotism as well, making it seem as those who don’t enlist in the army have no love for their country. Ironically the author exposes the American Public rather than the government by question American’s loyalty to America.
The government forces men to either work or serve in the military due to its need or greed. For example, Uncle Sam holds a shovel in one hand and a rifle in the other, with tags labeled, “Work or fight.” This shows that the government tries to persuade young men to support their country. Thus the author exposes how the government gives people the illusion of a choice, but really narrows down to one option.
Politicians can change the direction of an issue at their will, but it can also be a necessary cause that benefits the public. For example, Woodrow Wilson didn’t want to intervene with the allies and alliance war because he feared of having many vain American casualties. This shows that Wilson’s top concerns deal with the American People’s involvement in war instead of suiting his needs. Also, war and intervention are depicted as shore rocks. This shows that intervening with Germany can lead to many years of war, and Wilson feared America couldn’t steer out of war once they engaged in it.
Politicians can change the direction of an issue at their will, but it can also be a necessary cause that benefits the public. For example, Woodrow Wilson didn’t want to intervene with the allies and alliance war because he feared of having many vain American casualties. This shows that Wilson’s top concerns deal with the American People’s involvement in war instead of suiting his needs. Also, war and intervention are depicted as shore rocks. This shows that intervening with Germany can lead to many years of war, and Wilson feared America couldn’t steer out of war once they engaged in it.
