How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from All Quiet on the Western Front.
Quote #1
HERR MEYER: Mr. Postman. War is war and schnapps is schnapps, but business must go on. You didn't leave the mail yet this morning.
HIMMELSCHLOSS: I'm sorry, Mr. Meyer.
At the story's beginning, everyone's super excited about the war, treating it like it's a sporting event—like Germany v. France at the World War Cup. Herr Meyer is even a bit testy that something like war should interfere with day-to-day business. Of course, this view will change as word of the war's horrors reaches the populace…right? Right?
Quote #2
KANTOREK: I believe it will be a quick war, that there will be few losses. But if losses there must be, then let us remember the Latin phrase, which must have come to the lips of many a Roman when he stood embattled in a foreign land, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." "Sweet and fitting it is to die for the fatherland."
Kantorek's speech gives us a sense of the nation's mentality regarding the war. It'll be a rip-roaring adventure across the French country, and while the deaths will be tragic, what adventure wouldn't be complete without a little tragedy? If the Latin is to be believed, it's not even a tragedy since there could be no fitter cause for a young man's life. And who can argue with Latin?
Quote #3
KAT: It's all right, boy. Get up. Here. Never mind. It's happened to better men than you, and it's happened to me. When we come back, I'll get you all some nice clean underwear. That kind of shell you don't have to pay much attention to.
Remember Kantorek's speech about the grand adventure of war? Did we miss the part where he discusses a man soiling his underwear for fear of death? Unlike Kantorek, Kat provides the truth about war. It sure isn't glorious to wet your pants…but it is reality.