How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from All Quiet on the Western Front.
Quote #7
[Paul notices a butterfly just outside his shooter's nest. He reaches for it, and a French sniper notices him. Paul's hand slowly reaches for the butterfly. A shot cracks; Paul's hand jerks. Then it lies limp in the mud as Paul dies.]
In keeping with the reality of war, no one, not even our protagonist, is safe from death. Paul doesn't die after providing a grand, motivational speech or performing some heroic deed. He simply dies.