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The story “All Quiet on the Western Front” centers on a young man named Paul Baumer narrates the story. Paul is of the age of nineteen, when he is convinced to enlist in the German army in the World War I. Paul and several of his friends are encouraged to join the army by their teacher Kantorek, who would never join the army himself. After enlisting in the army, Paul and his friends trained under a cruel Corporal Himmelstoss, a strictly disciplined commander who dislikes Paul and his friends. He sends them to the front line to face the enemy. Blood and death become a part of their everyday life. Therefore, Paul and his friends had come to the conclusion that the ideals of patriotism taught by their teacher Kantorek, were just flowery words. When Paul and his friends were sent to the front, he made a new friendship with his commander, Stanislaus Katczinsky. Paul believed in “Kat” and in anything he said or done. Kat was resourceful and always finding food, clothing, and blankets for Paul and his young friends. After being on the front for a while, Paul is given two weeks leave to visit his sick mother. This part of the story was very upsetting to me. I would hate to have to pretend to be strong and actually f