Home > All Quiet on the Western Front Summary & Study Guide > All Quiet on the Western Front Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   ecofan74 Teacher
   College - Freshman

   Erich Maria Remarque's novel All Quiet on the Western Front (1929) and the 1979 TV movie of the same name have a great deal in common, but certain differences emerge from a comparison of the two.  While both the movie and the novel clearly express the anti-war theme at the heart of Remarque's narrative, the novel engages the views on the First World War of the various characters involved to a much greater degree than the movie does.

   In the movie, however, the attention focuses primarily on Paul and his internal struggles and his disillusionment at the realities of the war.  For this reason, the movie takes on the appearance of a character drama to a much greater degree than the novel does.

   While the character of Paul takes center stage in the movie, the futility and senselessness of war, though experienced by Paul in the novel, take on the dominant role in Remarque's work.  Remarque acknowledges that the larger concerns of soldiers transcend the experiences of a single person.  Paul Baumer's experience in the First World War is indicative of the experience of other soldiers, particularly those who become disillusioned with the war and recognize its senselessness.

   Much of the reasoning behind this difference stems from the expectations of movie audiences.  Audiences tend to want to see a work that concentrates on the characters, their development, and the conflicts they must face in order to succeed.  It is much more difficult to sell a film that concentrates on the anti-war message that pervades the novel.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/quiet-western-salem/all-quiet-weste...

   http://www.enotes.com/quiet-western/summary

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by ecofan74 on Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 6:29 PM