HONORS WORLD HISTORY

All Quiet on the Western Front – Oral Pesentation

                                                                                    Name ________________________

In studying the historical novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque, we must critically evaluate the events and conditions portrayed within it, in the hopes of determining why the novel has had such a large impact upon world history.  You are to provide analysis of one of the following themes presented as part of a five minute class presentation.

A.      Remarque develops the theme of the horror of war.  Which situations or conditions described in the novel demonstrate the horror of war?

B.     Another major them of the novel is the questioning of authority, traditional values, and social conventions.  How do “Paul” and his friends mock the petty aspects of military discipline, as well as the irrelevance of much of what they have been taught in school?

C.     A third important theme is comradeship.  In this book, it is seen as the most valuable thing to come out of the war.  What incidents in the novel notably demonstrate the importance of comradeship?  (For example, incidents involving the importance of loyalty and compassion for one’s fellow soldiers).

D.     The fourth theme of the text is the ideal of universal brotherhood.  What incidents of thoughts by “Paul” in the book demonstrate this notion that all human beings are somehow related?

Presenting one of the four themes above should take up to two to three minutes of your presentation.  The remaining two to three minutes should be your argument as to what you feel is Remarque’s thesis or central argument for this book. 

Presentations will be worth 50 points.  Twenty for analysis of the assigned theme,  twenty for thesis analysis,  five for organization,  and five for an outline to be given to Mr. Lukasko while your presentation is being made.