Part One, Chapter I - II Summary

Joachim Von Pasenow, the son of an aristocratic German family in the years before World War I, is reminded of the events before his enrollment in the academy. Joachim had known since childhood that his destiny was to enter the military, and as the time approached, he began giving his toys and possessions to his younger brother, Helmuth, in preparation. The two boys shared a pony, and one muddy morning, Joachim decided to take the animal out for a ride. Joachim was feeling superior because of his impending academy life and disregarded the weather, and as a result, the pony was hurt and had to be shot. Joachim's angry father sent him ahead early to military school because of this incident. Years later, Joachim presented his younger brother with a fine horse, but...