Final answer:
In 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' Kemmerich is the former classmate who dies early, and his death underscores the novel's depiction of the horrors of World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Erich Maria Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front,' the early death of Franz Kemmerich, a former classmate of the protagonist Paul Baumer, is a poignant and impactful event that underscores the novel's depiction of the horrors of World War I. Kemmerich's demise serves as a grim testament to the brutal realities of war and its profound impact on the young soldiers who, not long ago, were schoolmates.
The death of Kemmerich is not merely a narrative event; it symbolizes the tragic loss of youth and innocence experienced by a generation caught in the devastating grip of World War I. Remarque employs Kemmerich's character to exemplify the human cost of war, portraying the toll it takes on individuals who were once carefree students. The novel portrays the futility of war and the dehumanizing effects it inflicts on those who endure its horrors.
Kemmerich's death, occurring early in the narrative, serves as a sobering reminder that the romanticized notions of war are starkly different from its grim reality. Through this event, Remarque sets the tone for the novel, emphasizing the senselessness and brutality of the conflict. Kemmerich becomes a poignant symbol of the countless young lives sacrificed during World War I, contributing to the overarching anti-war sentiment that permeates 'All Quiet on the Western Front.'