8. Why does the author have Paul die before the armistice is signed?

[Kristel]

Why do you think the author timed Paul's death in October 1918, just before the long-rumored armistice? (Germany signed The Treaty of Versailles on November 11, 1918.)

[Kristel]

I think it was to emphasize that the powers let this war go on too long. Even though it was a lost caused the armistice took too long to be signed and these young men who had made it through so many months/years of fighting died needlessly.

[Jerry-Book]

I think to eliminate any thought there is any optimism in war. It also emphasizes the dreadfulness of the war by killing the main character at the end.

[Pip]

It was poignant, as it was for all those who died near the end.

[John]

At the end of the war there was a three day delay to achieve the symbolism of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. . . at a time when 2,250 men were dying each day in combat on the Western Front.

[Kristel]

John wrote: "At the end of the war there was a three day delay to achieve the symbolism of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. . . at a time when 2,250 men were dying each day in combat on the West..."

That is simply horrible and inexcusable.

[Lynn]

Jerry-Book wrote: "I think to eliminate any thought there is any optimism in war. It also emphasizes the dreadfulness of the war by killing the main character at the end."

I agree. The author used this ending to emphasize the futility of war.