There are many memorable scenes in the novel; however the one with the most impact is Katz’s final scene. In war, friendships are made fast but the bonds are stronger than most that take years to form. Friends in the army may not know each other’s backgrounds or pasts, but in some ways, that makes the friendships purer. Along with sharing the terrors of war and having each other’s backs, friendships and comradery are crucial in wartime. When Paul describes the scene, it is fast paced and lacking detail, much like how the actual event would be recalled. Katz is returning with food until he is hit and cannot be left alone without the chance of bleeding out. Paul tries his best to comfort him and they slowly make their way towards the dressing station. If time was moving fast before, it is now moving excruciatingly slowly as Paul struggles to get Katz help. Ultimately, Paul and Katz reach the station, but it is too late, for Katz was hit in the head with a shell fragment and died on the way. I debate whether or not Paul realized this as he walked, for Katz’s body should’ve…show more content… One is when the medic asks Paul if Katz is family. Paul responds that he is not. However in war, your platoon becomes your family. The bonds made sometimes become stronger than blood. For Paul to say that he is not family had to be emotionally painful for they were brothers. The next line that impacts me is when Paul recalls that “All is as usual. Only the Militiaman Stanilaus Katczinsky has died. Then I know nothing more.” It is a normal day. People die in war all the time. No one would be able to discern this day from any other, but Paul can. Paul doesn’t know if he thinks or feels. For Paul, the only difference he knows, the only significance about that day is that Katz has died. Besides that, Paul doesn’t know anything anymore, which solidifies his constant questioning of the universe and their fate. There is no more
