In the following source paper, the war motivation of two fictional characters will be clarified and compared.
The comparison criteria are external features, their attitude and the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of both persons. This will deal with the fictional, though strongly based on the author, character of Paul Bäumer from the work All Quiet on the Western Front from Erich Maria Remarque and the autobiographical character Ernst Jünger, taken from the personal diary novel Storm of Steel. Both characters are in written compositions of the first World War on the Western Front. There they carry out their service for the German fatherland. After a brief summary of the two works and discussion of the characters there will be direct comparisons between the two. Therein the similarities and differences will be identified and assessed. A brief review of the characters from today's perspective and their importance to society, then and now, round out this scientific-based investigation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Summary and Classification of the Works
2.1 All Quiet on the Western Front
2.2 Storm of Steel
3. Characterization of the Characters
3.1 Paul Bäumer
3.1.1 External Characteristics
3.1.2 Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
3.2 Ernst Jünger
3.2.1 External Characteristics
3.2.2 Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
4. Comparison of the Characters
4.1 Similarities
4.2 Differences
4.3 Assessment
5. Reader Reception and Assessment Then and Now
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of the war motivations of two central figures in German First World War literature: the fictional character Paul Bäumer and the autobiographical figure Ernst Jünger. The research aims to explore how internal and external drivers influenced their service and how their differing perspectives reflect broader themes of the war experience.
- Comparison of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors.
- Analysis of character development from initial recruitment to frontline service.
- Evaluation of the contrasting perceptions of warfare as either a senseless tragedy or a force of nature.
- Contextualization of both works within German literary and historical discourse.
- Examination of the reception of these works by society over time.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2 Differences
The way in which they dealt with war is what separates Paul from Ernst. Bäumer was popular with everyone. He needed the companionship, as this was where he derived his motivation to fight. Jünger, however, was a loner. He wanted to make a career on the front and did not seek popularity but rather respect. This he got going from a simple squad member to an officer. His incentive to stand on the field of battle was mainly intrinsic. He took pleasure in his work and pursued its bravery, courageousness, and loyalty. He saw military service as a duty to the fatherland. Paul on the other hand did not understand why he was still fighting. He was afraid of the battles, of the enemy's weapons, and of death. The only incentive that helped him continue in the war zone was to come home alive. He questioned the meaning of war and the value in its future. Existential fears paralyzed him. Ernst Jünger on the other hand lived from day to day, not thinking about tomorrow, often leaving his life to destiny. Hazardous patrols and battles were fun for him. He did not put forth the questions about the purpose of discharging a weapon in the confrontation between different countries. To him war was a force of nature, like the blossoming landscape and the beauty of nature. For Paul, war was the cold earth of Mother Nature's suffering and death.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the research goal of comparing the war motivations of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger while introducing the primary literary sources.
2. Summary and Classification of the Works: This section provides a contextual overview of the chosen books and explains the selection process based on their significance in German war literature.
2.1 All Quiet on the Western Front: Provides a synopsis of Remarque's novel, detailing the experiences of the 18-year-old soldier Paul Bäumer on the Western Front.
2.2 Storm of Steel: Describes the autobiographical diary entries of Ernst Jünger, documenting his maturation from a young volunteer to a battle-hardened officer.
3. Characterization of the Characters: Establishes the analytical framework for comparing the two figures based on external characteristics and motivational drivers.
3.1 Paul Bäumer: Analyzes the character traits, social background, and personal motivations of the protagonist from Remarque’s work.
3.1.1 External Characteristics: Focuses on the demographic and situational factors defining Paul Bäumer's role in the war.
3.1.2 Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Examines how Bäumer’s views on war shifted from romanticism to disillusionment and existential fear.
3.2 Ernst Jünger: Examines the personality and trajectory of the autobiographical narrator of Storm of Steel.
3.2.1 External Characteristics: Outlines Jünger's background, military rank, and personal habits during his time on the front.
3.2.2 Attitude, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Explores Jünger's professional approach to warfare, driven by duty and a perception of war as a force of nature.
4. Comparison of the Characters: Synthesizes the previous findings to highlight commonalities and contradictions between the two soldiers.
4.1 Similarities: Identifies shared factors such as youth, the Western Front as the theater of war, and initial idealistic expectations.
4.2 Differences: Contrasts the soldiers' fundamental approaches, noting how one sought survival and human connection while the other found meaning in professional duty.
4.3 Assessment: Offers a personal evaluation of the characters' motivations and their roles as representatives of the soldier experience.
5. Reader Reception and Assessment Then and Now: Discusses how the works were historically perceived and how their reputations have evolved in contemporary society.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings, suggesting that there was no singular "German" motivation for soldiers in the First World War.
7. Bibliography: Lists the sources and references used throughout the study.
Keywords
First World War, German Literature, Paul Bäumer, Ernst Jünger, All Quiet on the Western Front, Storm of Steel, War Motivation, Intrinsic Motivation, Extrinsic Motivation, Western Front, Comparative Analysis, Soldier Experience, Anti-war Novel, Military Service, Historical Perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the war motivations of two German soldiers—the fictional Paul Bäumer and the autobiographical figure Ernst Jünger—during the First World War.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include the psychological impact of war, the nature of duty, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, and the disparity between heroic expectations and the grim reality of combat.
What is the central research question?
The study seeks to clarify and compare the factors that drove these two individuals to fight and how their underlying attitudes toward their service differed despite serving on the same side.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author uses a qualitative, comparative literary analysis method to evaluate characters based on predefined criteria such as external features, attitude, and motivational drivers.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body provides detailed summaries of the literary sources, followed by an in-depth individual character analysis and a structured comparison identifying their similarities and differences.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include: First World War, Comparative Analysis, Motivation, Remarque, Jünger, and Soldier Experience.
How did Paul Bäumer's perception of war change?
Bäumer began with an idealistic view encouraged by his teacher but quickly became disillusioned, ultimately viewing the war as a senseless and destructive experience that he struggled to survive.
How did Ernst Jünger's view of war differ from Paul Bäumer's?
Unlike Bäumer, Jünger viewed the war as a natural, albeit brutal, force. He approached his duties as a professional soldier and found meaning in his rank and responsibilities, rather than focusing purely on survival.
Why is the reception of these books significant?
The reception is significant because it highlights historical biases: while one was celebrated as an anti-war masterpiece, the other was often unfairly labeled as pro-war propaganda, a view the author challenges from a modern perspective.
- Quote paper
- Vanessa Schweinshaupt (Author), 2016, War Motivation of German Soldiers in the First World War. References and a Comparative Characterization of Paul Bäumer and Ernst Jünger, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/356664
