During war, soldiers fight because of their fear of death, causing their survival instinct to take over. ... However, after battle, the soldiers' perspective on their motive to fight completely changes to their survival instincts and fear. ... In All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul reveals his fear that keeps him alive during war when he says, "life is simply one continual watch against the menace of death; – it has transformed us into unthinking animals in order to give us the weapon of instinct" (273). ... War has deprived him of feelings, causing him to transform into...

• Word Count: 1410
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

By the animal instinct that is awakened in us we are led and protected. It is not conscious; it is far quicker, much more sure, less fallible, than consciousness It is this other, this second sight in us, that has thrown us to the ground and saved us, without or knowing how We march up, moody or good-tempered soldiers, we reach the zone where the front begins and become on instant human animals. (55-56 All Quiet on the Western Front) This transformation happens in both novels and soon we begin to see the actions of the characters in both novels reflecting their psychological change. ... In ...

• Word Count: 1371
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

In this quote, Paul explains how the soldiers transform from their natural human instincts and personality and become "animals" during war: "We have become wild beasts. ... The natural war instincts of Paul forced him to stab the opposing soldier, but he felt like he had killed and innocent man fighting for the opposing country rather than the enemy. ...

• Word Count: 1665
• Approx Pages: 7