1. How does expectation differ from reality?

[Kristel]

Kantorek the schoolmaster convinced Paul Bäumer and all his schoolmates to enlist, but Paul’s actual wartime experiences prove to be very different than expected. What effect do you think this had on Paul’s faith in the adult world?

[Kristel]

I don't know how it affected his faith but it made it really hard for him to go home on leave as no one shared his experiences. It was like he no longer fit.

The "romance" of joining and going off to fight for their nation was uglier than they could have ever imagined.

[Jerry-Book]

I agree the romance of war was very different from the reality of war. I just had the opportunity to go through the WW I museum in Kansas City. They have complete mock-ups of the trenches and some primitive tanks. It appears to be the only museum in the USA completely dedicated to WW I. You didn't want to live in those trenches.

[Pip]

Paul's faith in the advice of others was probably shattered more by his army experiences than finding out that the advice given by his teacher was misleading. No one predicted what the realities of the war would be.

[Lynn]

Paul's faith in people in general was diminished through his experience. He was used by his government to achieve their goals. He signed up in good faith.