Final answer:
Himmelstoss, a character in Erich Maria Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front', was a postman before the war. The novel is a seminal work depicting the grim realities of World War I and its impact on soldiers and society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the war, Himmelstoss was a postman. This is a character reference from the novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. In the story, which is set during World War I, Himmelstoss is a strict disciplinarian figure who eventually becomes a non-commissioned training officer. His previous civilian occupation is indeed that of a postman. This book gives us a vivid portrayal of the life of soldiers in WWI, much like the notable mentions of Ernest Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms' and the various depictions by authors such as Ford Madox Ford and Robert Graves. Remarque's writings, including the role of Himmelstoss, reflect the harsh realities and the breakdown of pre-war idealism, showing readers the deep psychological impacts of war on individuals, alongside the broader cultural shock experienced by society