In the following source paper, the war motivation of two fictional characters will be clarified and compared.
The comparison criteria are external features, their attitude and the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of both persons. This will deal with the fictional, though strongly based on the author, character of Paul Bäumer from the work All Quiet on the Western Front from Erich Maria Remarque and the autobiographical character Ernst Jünger, taken from the personal diary novel Storm of Steel. Both characters are in written compositions of the first World War on the Western Front. There they carry out their service for the German fatherland. After a brief summary of the two works and discussion of the characters there will be direct comparisons between the two. Therein the similarities and differences will be identified and assessed. A brief review of the characters from today's perspective and their importance to society, then and now, round out this scientific-based investigation.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Summary and Classification of the Works
- All Quiet on the Western Front
- Storm of Steel
- Characterization of the Characters
- Paul Bäumer
- External Characteristics
- Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
- Ernst Jünger
- External Characteristics
- Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
- Paul Bäumer
- Comparison of the Characters
- Similarities
- Differences
- Assessment
- Reader Reception and Assessment Then and Now
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze and compare the war motivations of Paul Bäumer (from Erich Maria Remarque's *All Quiet on the Western Front*) and Ernst Jünger (from his autobiographical work *Storm of Steel*). The comparison will focus on external characteristics, attitudes, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of both characters, providing insights into their experiences and perspectives on World War I.
- The impact of societal pressures and propaganda on young soldiers' decisions to join the war.
- The contrasting experiences and perspectives of soldiers on the Western Front, particularly between those who actively question the war and those who embrace it.
- The evolution of soldiers' attitudes and motivations throughout their wartime experiences.
- The different literary approaches used to portray the realities of war and its impact on individuals.
- The reception and interpretation of these works then and now, and their continued relevance.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the comparative analysis of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger's war motivations. It establishes the context of World War I and highlights the contrasting perspectives on war participation – forced conscription versus voluntary enlistment. The chapter introduces the methodology and scope of the paper, focusing on external characteristics, attitudes, and both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations as comparative criteria. It briefly introduces the chosen texts and their significance within the broader context of German war literature.
Summary and Classification of the Works: This section justifies the selection of *All Quiet on the Western Front* and *Storm of Steel* for comparative analysis. It positions Remarque's work within the anti-war literature of the time, contrasting it with other works focusing on the Eastern Front and highlighting its exceptional popularity and subsequent banning by the Nazis. The chapter then introduces Jünger's *Storm of Steel*, emphasizing the initial perception of war glorification and promising a nuanced examination of both texts to challenge this preconception.
All Quiet on the Western Front: This chapter summarizes Remarque's *All Quiet on the Western Front*, focusing on its depiction of young men's naive enthusiasm for war, fueled by their teacher's propaganda. The chapter explains how the novel portrays the disillusionment and horrors of trench warfare, highlighting the gradual loss of innocence and the devastating impact of the war on the soldiers. The chapter emphasizes Remarque's personal experience and the novel's critical reception, including its popularity and subsequent banning by the Nazi regime.
Storm of Steel: This chapter summarizes Jünger's *Storm of Steel*, focusing on the author's personal experiences as a soldier on the Western Front. It details Jünger's transformation from a naive young man to a hardened veteran, highlighting his acceptance and even a sense of detached fascination with the brutality of war. The chapter analyzes the shifting perspectives in Jünger's narrative, from initial shock and horror at the war's realities to a later acceptance and even a romanticized view of certain aspects of combat. The chapter discusses the author's evolution within the military ranks and his perspective on the war's significance.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
World War I, German soldiers, war motivation, Erich Maria Remarque, *All Quiet on the Western Front*, Ernst Jünger, *Storm of Steel*, anti-war literature, propaganda, disillusionment, trench warfare, comparative analysis, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation.
FAQ: A Comparative Analysis of War Motivations in "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Storm of Steel"
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes and compares the war motivations of Paul Bäumer (from Erich Maria Remarque's *All Quiet on the Western Front*) and Ernst Jünger (from his autobiographical work *Storm of Steel*). The comparison focuses on their external characteristics, attitudes, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to understand their World War I experiences and perspectives.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the impact of societal pressures and propaganda on young soldiers' decisions to join the war; the contrasting experiences and perspectives of soldiers on the Western Front; the evolution of soldiers' attitudes and motivations throughout their wartime experiences; the different literary approaches used to portray the realities of war; and the reception and interpretation of these works then and now.
Which books are analyzed in this paper?
The paper analyzes Erich Maria Remarque's *All Quiet on the Western Front* and Ernst Jünger's *Storm of Steel*. These texts are chosen for their contrasting portrayals of war experience and the different perspectives they represent.
How are the characters of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger compared?
The comparison of Bäumer and Jünger involves analyzing their external characteristics, attitudes, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. It examines similarities and differences in their experiences and how those experiences shaped their perspectives on war.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into sections covering an introduction, a summary and classification of the works, characterization of Bäumer and Jünger (including external characteristics and motivations), a comparison of the characters (including similarities, differences, and an assessment), and finally, an examination of reader reception and assessment then and now.
What is the methodology used in this comparative analysis?
The paper employs a comparative analysis methodology, focusing on external characteristics, attitudes, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations as comparative criteria. It aims to provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of both characters on World War I.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes chapter summaries detailing the introduction, a summary and classification of the works (*All Quiet on the Western Front* and *Storm of Steel*), individual summaries of each book, focusing on their respective depictions of war and the characters' experiences and transformations.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: World War I, German soldiers, war motivation, Erich Maria Remarque, *All Quiet on the Western Front*, Ernst Jünger, *Storm of Steel*, anti-war literature, propaganda, disillusionment, trench warfare, comparative analysis, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation.
What is the overall goal of this academic paper?
The overall goal is to provide a detailed comparative analysis of the war motivations of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger, offering insights into their individual experiences and the broader context of German war literature during World War I.
- Quote paper
- Vanessa Schweinshaupt (Author), 2016, War Motivation of German Soldiers in the First World War. References and a Comparative Characterization of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/356664
