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By: Kyle Shelly, Alexis Pienkos , K evin loose. Part 5: 157-164. Summary .
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By: Kyle Shelly, Alexis Pienkos, Kevin loose Part 5: 157-164
Summary • Paul returns home on leave and he is filled with memories as he walks down the street. When he walks in the door, he is filled with different emotions. As Paul walks in the door, he says “I cannot take another step; the staircase fades before my eyes.” Paul is so surprised to be back in his house and he is unable to stand straight and feels like he is going to pass out. His sister runs to the door to meet him, but his mother does not appear. His sister tells him that their mother is ill, so Paul goes to see her. Paul realizes that his mother has been saving his favorite dinner for him for months. (157)
Summary CONTINUED • He has to go check in with the district commandant. On his way there, he runs into an Army Major and the man is infuriated at Paul because he did not salute the Major. The Major angrily yells, “Can`t you salute?” Paul is furious at the Major because the Major does not know what it was like being in the war. Paul being a nice guy does what the Major says and salutes him. When Paul returns home, he puts on regular. That pleases his mother, but his father is angered because he wanted to show him off to his buddies. (162)
Themes • The Lost Generation –When Paul returns to his house he feels lost and has mixed emotions about returning. He is happy to be home but he worries about his friends that are still at war. “For a moment I am shy and lower my head, and then I take off my helmet and look up”. Paul is home and feels ashamed that he is the only one at home. (157)
Themes Continued • Abusive authority figures- When Paul runs into a major on the street, he forgets to salute him. The major makes a big deal out of it, and he makes Paul salute him. Paul is angry because he knows that the major has never experienced war and knows that saluting does not help you in the war.
Paul’s Feelings • Paul is happy to be home, but would rather have all his friend’s home with him. He cannot connect to anybody and feels like nobody understands him. When Paul is talking to his mom, she asks him how the war is. Paul responds,” Mother, what should I answer to that! You would not understand, you could never realize it.”(161)