What does it mean to be a soldier? How did the experience of fighting on the front line change Paul Baumer? The book “All Quiet on the Western Front” revolves around two themes: catalyst for change and loss of identity. In "All Quiet on the Western Front", the catalyst for change in the minds of young humans, how to transform into men and war shows them how to be a German soldier during the First World War. Before the war, Paul was a creator. , sensitive and passionate person, writing poems and having an obvious love for his family. But during the war, he changed his attitude and personality. Aspects of his past life become things that Paul didn't remember having a connection with, and he learns to disconnect from his feelings. He feels like he can't talk to anyone about his experiences and feels like an outsider from his family. At the end of the book, Paul realizes that he no longer knows what to do with himself and decides that he has nothing left to lose. The war seems to have crushed his hopes and dreams, which he believes he will never be able to regain. “Was it very bad there, Paul?” Mother, what should I say to that! You wouldn't understand, you could never realize it. And you'll never realize it. Was it bad, you ask. –You, Mother,- I shake my head and say: “No, Mother, not so good. There are still a lot of us together so it's not so bad. (Page 161) He is a catalyst for change because before the war, he was a naive young boy who did not think about death. Until he was at war and changed his views on war and death due to his mother having cancer. Before the war, Paul was a sensitive, creative, passionate person with an obvious love for his family. "At the first buzz of shells we rush ...... middle of paper ...... People lie about enjoying a moment of relaxation and have put their horrible experiences out of their minds. Paul says that you can only survive terror if you avoid thinking about it; otherwise, the feelings of sorrow, fear and despair would drive a man mad. Paul even views these feelings with contempt, calling them "quite ornamental in times of peace" and implying that they are luxuries rather than elements of the human experience. Paul presents his list of recent casualties, friends and comrades who have been killed or seriously injured during the fighting. After discussing the catalyst for change, becoming soldiers and becoming men. We learn that war is a serious place based on life and death. Being a soldier means being loyal to your country and fighting for what is rightfully yours. The war changed the way people looked at the world by seeing what death really was...