Trench Journal- Literary Analysis (Ch 2)

Paul reflects on how those around his age have had their future stolen from them and how they have little to return to.

Paul reminisces on his class at school and how his training into the army made all he learned worthless.

Paul remembers his trainer, Corporal Himmelstoss, and the excessive and cruel training routines he made him endure.

Paul sits by Kemmerich who talks about what he would have done with his life had the war not happened. Paul sees that Kemmerich will die in a couple of hours.

Paul tries to cheer Kemmerich up but causes him to cry. Kemmerich tells Paul Muller can have his boots and starts to gurgle after a minute he dies and Paul gives Muller the boots.

Paul feels hatred when he remembers his training under Himmelstoss and joy at the pranks he and his friends have pulled on him. Paul is filled with worry as he sees Kemmerich's condition has not imporved and is filled with grief when he dies.

"He roots among his supplies and offers me a fine piece of saveloy"(Remarque 33).

Saveloy- a highly seasoned, dried sausage

"At first we were astonished, then embittered, and finally indifferent," (Remarque 21-22).

Embitter- to arouse bitter feelings in




War causes a country to make complicated alliances which may cause complications. This cartoon shows America tied up with a rope labeled the league of nations with a different country holding onto an end of the rope. This shows how war can create strange barriers which can bring about big problems.


I learned that war is harsh and can tear your best friends away from you.