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All Quiet On The Western Front Nature Analysis

Decent Essays

Throughout the novel, the theme of nature was carried out consistently, along with other lesser themes, in order to correctly acknowledge the literal and figurative meanings of what war was really comprised of. The dignified war novel All Quiet on the Western Front’s author, Erich Maria Remarque, had the intention to depict the idea of nature in sporadic, yet dramatic ways. The soldiers, including the main protagonist, Paul, often reflected on the significance of nature as another type of defense mechanism, in which the beauty and calmness of nature assisted them in restoring their ability to move forward; in their ability to sustain and keep hold of the last shred of humanity in them. Remarque frequently referred to the reoccurring theme in …show more content…

In order for them to cope with such death and destruction, the adolescents must disconnect themselves from their emotions, suppress their feelings, and accept the agonizing conditions of their lives. Eventually, they learned to displace their emotions and to daydream freely when surrounded by the chirping birds and frail butterflies; “One morning two butterflies play in front of our trench. They are brimstone-butterflies, with red spots on their yellow wings… They settle on the teeth of a skull. The birds too are just as carefree, they have long since accustomed themselves to the war.”; (Remarque 127). The brimstone-butterflies that were mentioned within the novel represented the beauty of nature, fragility of life, and vulnerability of existence. Despite the struggles of war, they acted as an illumination and a reminder to Paul and the other comrades that even beauty could be present in the ugliest situations, as well as, how majestic the world truly is. With how delicate the birds and butterflies generally are, they represent the purification and innocence of all life. They certainly reflect the peaceful workings of nature. Overall, the juxtaposition between the violent battle front and nature’s beauty, as well as, humanity was inconsistent throughout. To elaborate, although the harshness of war rages on, the world outside of it is constantly changing and moving forward as the birds and butterflies “have long since accustomed themselves to the

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