War in Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front

A veteran of World War I, Erich Maria Remarque found himself in a unique position to render the experience of war, both its internal and external ravages, in an intimate and realistic way. Responding directly to the then-nameless trauma many veterans and soldiers experienced in their lives, Remarque’s novel is often hailed as pacifist work, though it often defies classification as a result of its undeniable loyalty to simple storytelling. This compelling volume explores the life and work of Erich Maria Remarque and expands upon the theme of war present in his classic novel. Readers are presented with a diverse set of essays that provide a wide range of perspectives on questions such as whether war results in a loss of innocence, and whether the book offers critiques of modern warfare. This edition also touches upon current perspectives related to war and peace, allowing readers to connect the events of the text to the issues of today’s world.