Importance of Kemmerich’s Boots

At the beginning of the novel, Paul and his friends bring Kemmerich’s belongings to where Kemmerich is staying at a field hospital. Among those possessions is a pair of comfortable boots with laces envied by the others. Kemmerich gives them to Muller, who in turns bequeaths them to Paul. Paul in turn promises them to Tjaden. The boots are especially important in understanding life on the front lines, for quality goods are scarce and difficult to attain. Rather than trading them, the soldiers give away what they have when those possessions are no longer useful or could be exchanged for more important things.