AQWF Ch. 7-9 Study Guide Questions - English

(Ch. 7): How does Paul feel about the brunette he meets? Are the feelings returned?

He’s attracted to her, but she's just a source of comfort. He was just interested in the food.

(Ch. 7): What feelings does the picture of the girl in the white dress provoke in the men?

It provokes feelings for desire and love. However, they’re so disconnected from that civilian life that they don’t know what to do about it.

(Ch. 7): How does Paul feel about being home?

He feels awkward.

(Ch. 7): What are his mother’s reactions to his visit? What are his father’s reactions?

He’s glad his mother is safe. His father wants him to put his uniform on to show it off to everyone.

(Ch. 7): What has happened to Kantorek?

He got called up on a territorial (National Guard).

(Ch. 7): Why is Paul repulsed by the conversation he has with his German master?

Because his German master didn't know the true nature of war.

(Ch. 7): Tell about Paul’s visit with Kemmerich’s mother. Why does he persist in lying to her?

He feels that he is obligated to tell her about his death. She keeps asking him how he died. Paul lies and says he died instantly, because he didn't want her to think about the details.

(Ch. 7): Why does Paul say he should never have had a leave?

He realizes he’s so disconnected from his youth to the point where he doesn’t feel like he belongs here at home. He also feels like he lost his edge to survive on the battlefield.

(Ch. 8): Why do the soldiers at the camp on the moor become so close to nature?

They’re kinda lonely there, so they focus on nature. They are at peace right now and there’s no war. They became reserved to nature.

(Ch. 8): Describe the Russian prisoners. Why does Paul feel sorry for them?

They sing, but it doesn’t sound like they’re singing at all. They seem nervous and fearful. They look meek, and hungry. Paul feels sorry for them because someone in command said that they were the enemy, but they could be friends. He comes to realize they’re no different than he is.

(Ch. 8): What is wrong with Paul’s mother? Why is his father afraid to ask the surgeon how much her operation will cost?

She has cancer. It has to be very expensive for the operation. He’s afraid to ask the surgeon because he’s afraid they won’t do the operation if he pays for it.

(Ch. 8): Why is it hard for Paul to spend time with his family?

Mom is dying, and it’s hard to talk about, and they won’t be able to afford taking care of her. They also don’t have anything to talk about.

(Ch. 9): How do the men prepare for the Kaiser’s visit? Who is the Kaiser?

They temporarily get new clothing, and they got to do a bunch of marching drills. The German leader.

(Ch. 9): The men have a discussion about who starts war. What conclusions do they reach?

Leaders are the ones who start the wars, but it’s the everyday people that have to fight them.

(Ch. 9): What type of damage do trench mortars cause?

They blow you up right out of your clothes.

(Ch. 9): What happens to Paul on scouting duty? How is he saved? How does he feel about his comrades?

He gets separated from the others, and he has a panic attack. He heard the voices of his friends. He loves them like brothers.

Who is Gerard Duval? How is Paul affected by his death?

He’s the French soldier that Paul killed with a knife. Paul felt guilt, was looking for redemption, and he also realized that he was no different than Paul.