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Essay / Note's Use of Literary Devices in 'All Quiet on the Western Front' offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a young German soldier. Using vivid imagery, poignant anecdotes, and powerful symbolism, the book invites readers to fully engage and experience the physical and psychological horrors wrought by war. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get an original essayThe depiction of the effects of war in “All Quiet on the Western Front”The story begins with a group of young boys, influenced by society's notions of honor and patriotism, enthusiastically enlisting in the army to serve in World War I. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that these boys were never adequately prepared for the dark realities of war. A telling quote from chapter 5 highlights their lack of education about the brutal nature of combat: "At school, no one ever taught us... that it is better to stick a bayonet in the stomach to prevent it does not get stuck, because it is in the ribs” (Remark, p. 85). This quote reveals the harsh truth that these young soldiers were ill-prepared and ill-informed about the horrific aspects of war. As the novel progresses, it delves deeper into the emotional and psychological toll taken on these young fighters. The novel uses various literary devices to emphasize how the soldiers' perspectives were irrevocably altered by the war. At the beginning of the book, Paul and his comrades return from the front and, ironically, they ask for extra rations after witnessing the deaths of eighty men. This irony lies in the fact that, under normal circumstances, one would not expect soldiers to demand more food immediately after suffering such a tragic loss. However, the war transformed their way of thinking; they prioritize their own survival over the lives already lost. Another literary device used is metaphor, as evidenced by the line “we have become wild beasts” (Remark, p. 113). This metaphor provides insight into the psyche of soldiers, illustrating their desire to do anything to survive, even if it means resorting to desperate and bestial instincts. This fits with the theme of emotional and mental transformation brought about by war. The novel is enriched by its subplots, each contributing to the overall themes. An important subplot involves Paul's gradual metamorphosis into a war machine as he learns to navigate bullets, bombs, and enemies with disconcerting ease. However, this transformation comes at a considerable cost: he loses his sense of humanity and becomes precisely what war demands: another killing machine among countless others. His sense of “home” shifts from where his family resides to the front lines, where he witnesses countless deaths. This transformation is an element of the plot, which makes Paul understand that the war is meaningless and that death is inevitable for him, his friends and the entire German army. Another plot point is the death of Kat, who dies on Paul's back while being transported to a makeshift hospital. This tragic loss further shakes Paul's will to continue, as he reflects on his battle experiences and concludes that he will never find peace; all he knows is war. The irony lies in the statement that ».
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