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How did Erik Vandenburg save Hans Hubermann's life in World War I?
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Erik Vandenburg saved Hans Hubermann's life during World War I by volunteering him for a writing task, which kept Hans from going into battle with his platoon. While Hans stayed behind to write, the entire platoon was killed in combat, including Erik. This act of friendship not only saved Hans's life but also forged a lasting bond with Erik's family, leading Hans to later help Erik's son, Max, during World War II.
During the first World War, Erik Vandenburg saved Hans Hubermann's life by volunteering him for a writing task.
Death relates the story in the novel. During the war, Erik and Hans became fast friends. Both shared a love for gambling, cigarettes, and music. They preferred all three to shooting bullets.
On the morning Hans Hubermann's entire platoon was killed, Sergeant Stephan Schneider entered the soldiers' sleeping quarters to make an inquiry. He wanted to know who had good handwriting. At the time, none of the soldiers volunteered. This is because the last soldier who volunteered ended up cleaning the latrines with a toothbrush.
There was also another reason no one wanted to volunteer. During his inquiry, Sergeant Schneider mentioned that the platoon would be required to fight that day. So, the man who volunteered would be considered a coward for wanting to avoid the dangers of battle.
Erik Vandenburg finally...
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volunteered Hans Hubermann. So, Erik saved Hans's life by volunteering him for a writing task. Tragically, none of the platoon returned after the battle; all of the men died on the field that day.
During the first World War, Erik Vandenburg and Hans Hubermann forge a friendship. Erik teaches Hans to play the accordion and the two men enjoy one another's company very much. Aside from teaching him to play the accordion, Erik also saves Hans' life. He arranged for Hans to stay behind and do another task rather than go with the rest of the troops, and it is during this time that Erik is killed. Hans had promised Erik that he would always look out for his wife and child should anything happen to him, so he visits his widow. Years later, Max knows that he must escape and he trusts that Hans will keep his word and will protect him. Hans is hesitant because of the danger it will bring to the family, but honors his friendship with Erik and the sacrifice that he made, and allows Max to stay with his family.