The idea of comradeship began to form through unfortunate commonalities between the younger soldiers. The life of Paul Bäumer, and the lives of the other twenty year olds in the company, were what one would expect of men of such a young age: unfulfilled. They had their parents, a couple hobbies, and school. That was it. In contrast, the older soldiers had families, jobs, interests, and a more fully developed life. War for them was merely an interruption to their lives. For the “Iron Youth”, the outcome of the rest of their lives was unknown after they voluntarily enlisted for war. The war figuratively, and eventually literally, cut the young men off from life. The budding soldiers had nothing to look forward to or remember about the greatness of existence; they had never experienced how full life could be. The only other people who could relate to such emptiness were the people who were in their shoes. This left them with only each other to lean on. This vulnerability among the …show more content…
While Franz Kemmerich, a young soldier, was on his death bed due to a complicated injury, another young member of the Company, Müller, was adamant on taking Kemmerich’s boots following his death. Paul believed it was the wrong place and the wrong time to ask for something as unimportant as boots. After critically thinking about the situation, Paul realized the innocence behind Müller’s request and decided to support him. Paul’s change in heart was due to the mindset rooted from comradeship. The fact that they only have each other forced Paul to think deeper in order to see Müller in the best way possible. The comradeship between the soldiers challenged them to adapt their opinions and thoughts into those that are supportive. The soldiers relied on each other and had a common goal of getting through the horrible war. Even the little instances of support between comrades went a long