Essay Questions for
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
1. In the novel ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, Remarque presents nature in its many moods, both beautiful and horrific, and he uses nature for many purposes, to show both the horror of human destructiveness (also a part of nature) and the aching beauty of unchanging nature. Discuss Remarque’s use of nature, when and how he describes it, and to what purpose he uses nature throughout the course of the novel. Be sure to give examples from the book.
2. This World War l novel is a powerful story of male bonding. Using examples from the book show how Remarque develops his ideas of male friendship through the hardship of battle.
3. Examine the role women play in ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. When do women come into the story? How often do they enter into the story and in what capacity? Giving examples from the story, detail two or three female characters and the roles they play in the novel. What role(s) do they play in relationship with the men?
4. From the title of the novel itself to its bitter ending, Remarque uses extensive irony. Citing specific examples from the book, show how Remarque uses irony in his story and to what purpose.
5. Explore Remarque’s use of simile, particulary comparing the battle field with nature.
6. The progress of the war can be followed by the author’s descriptions of the few comforts at the front. Paul and his comrades are constantly on the hunt for food, comfortable boots, and safety. How may the reader chart the progress of the war through the characters’ hunt for the ever dwindling supply of creature comforts?
7. Using examples from the novel, show how the men are reduced to the state of animals as the war progresses.
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
1. In the novel ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, Remarque presents nature in its many moods, both beautiful and horrific, and he uses nature for many purposes, to show both the horror of human destructiveness (also a part of nature) and the aching beauty of unchanging nature. Discuss Remarque’s use of nature, when and how he describes it, and to what purpose he uses nature throughout the course of the novel. Be sure to give examples from the book.
2. This World War l novel is a powerful story of male bonding. Using examples from the book show how Remarque develops his ideas of male friendship through the hardship of battle.
3. Examine the role women play in ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. When do women come into the story? How often do they enter into the story and in what capacity? Giving examples from the story, detail two or three female characters and the roles they play in the novel. What role(s) do they play in relationship with the men?
4. From the title of the novel itself to its bitter ending, Remarque uses extensive irony. Citing specific examples from the book, show how Remarque uses irony in his story and to what purpose.
5. Explore Remarque’s use of simile, particulary comparing the battle field with nature.
6. The progress of the war can be followed by the author’s descriptions of the few comforts at the front. Paul and his comrades are constantly on the hunt for food, comfortable boots, and safety. How may the reader chart the progress of the war through the characters’ hunt for the ever dwindling supply of creature comforts?
7. Using examples from the novel, show how the men are reduced to the state of animals as the war progresses.
Comments