In All Quiet On The Western Front...?

Question

Why is war different for Paul and his group of student friends than it is for Kat and some of the older men? How do they envision their lives after/apart from the war?

Answer 1

Younger people and older people always view war differently. For the young it is a battle to express ideals and the future. it is to show personal bravery and courage and to make a name for oneself. For the elderly it is about country and about making it better for the future. It is less about ideals than what Paul would express.