All Quiet on the Western Front Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 5 Summary

Chapter 5 Summary

Chapter Five opens with Baumer describing the method the young men had rigged up for killing the lice that plague the soldiers. Rather than killing them by hand, they throw them into a candle stub fixed into an old boot polish container. While they go about their hygiene, the young solider discuss what life may be like for them after the war. Albert asserts that there will not be a life for him outside of the army besides getting drunk. Katczinsky waves around pictures of his family to encourage the conversation. Haie sides with Albert, however, and vows to stay in the army. He points out that at least one does not have to worry about food and clothing in peacetime. In addition, one would gain the respect of an officer, or perhaps a bobby, or police official.

Tjaden, on the other hand, can think of nothing by further retaliation...
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