All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the western front question -- need answer please

A powerful motif in the book and film is the pair of leather boots owned by Paul’s friend Hans. Paul brought them back from the hospital after Hans died. What was the author of this story trying to tell us by focusing on these boots?

Asked by Bookragstutor 4 on 24 May 03:18

Last updated by Cat on 24 May 03:32

1 Answers

Answered by Cat on 24 May 03:32

Kemmerich's boots hold a great deal of symbolism. Boots are in high demand: a symbol of how poorly the German army is outfitted by the country. Boots get passed around from soldier to soldier after one dies: another symbol of frequent mortality in war. Kemmerick took them from a fallen airman. In many ways, the boots come to represent the cheapness of life. People are more desposable than the boots are.