Exceptionalism in All Quiet on the western Front Research Paper

Exceptionalism in All Quiet on the western Front - Research Paper Example The exceptionalism which is used remains throughout the book as an expression of the war; however, it is broken by the end of the book to show the shock and reality of war meaning more than the boundaries created by the country which one is a part of. The exceptionalism breaks enough to show that the soldiers were the exception, as opposed to the patriotism and beliefs about the war which many had. Defining Sides and Exceptionalism The concept of exceptionalism by the narrator is displayed from the first pages. The technique is used with the knowledge that the narrator is in a war for Germany and is fighting in France. While there is little reference to the patriotism held in Germany, there is a focus on the other surrounding countries and how these forces are causing the main suffering of the soldiers. For instance, the narrator states â€Å"It is true that we have no right to this windfall. The Prussian is not so generous. We have only a miscalculation to thank for it†¦.on th e last day an astonishing number of English heavies opened up on us with high –explosive, drumming ceaselessly on our position, so that we suffered severely and came back only eighty strong† (Remarque, 2). ... The approach of creating boundaries and defining exceptionalism by building a sense of mercy to the German troops is a tactic which the narrator displays throughout the entire book. The definition of exceptionalism is then seen through the eye of the narrator, which makes the reader sympathetic to the side that is being spoken about. The idea of warfare that is expressed becomes a means of protecting the country against the actions being taken from the other countries. It also associates with the reader being able to witness the actions which are taken, similar to a news related item. When reading this, the individual has knowledge only about the side of the narrator and the attacks that are causing suffering from the Americans, English or the Prussians. The division is instantly created because of the initiative to narrate and express the divisions of identity by nationality first (Atwood, 31). The division which was created according to the countries was furthered as the war contin ued, specifically by showing how Germany and France lost the battle to others who had more. For instance, the end of the book states how America and the English came in with â€Å"new† materials to fight (Remarque, 259). This approach shows how the divisions in country were based on the strategies which were used for war and left Germany and France at a disadvantage. It also shows how there was an unfair treatment and approach toward the war, specifically because these new strategies led to pointed deaths that the narrator speaks about. Each of these complexities then leads to sympathy with the soldiers in France and Germany as the exception fighting the war, despite the loss which occurred. Patriotism and the War The narrations of divisions that are against other