the primitive, military, non-academic world of the war. Ultimately, the books are worthless becausethe wordsin them are meaningless. "Words, Words, Wordsthey do not reach me. Slowly I place the books back in theshelves. Nevermore" (Remarque, All Quiet VII. 153). In his experiences with traditional society, Baumerpervertslanguage, that which separates the human from the beast, to the point where it has no meaning. Baumershowshis rejection of that traditional society by refusing to, or being unable to, use the standards of itslanguage.Contrasted with Baumers experiences during his visit home are his dealings with his fellow trenchsoldiers.Unlike Baumers feelings at home where he chooses not to speak with his father and makes an empty vow toFrau Kemmerich, Baumer is able to effect true communication, of both a verbal and spiritual kind, withhis fellowtrench soldiers. Indeed, within this group, words can have a meaningful, soothing, even rejuvenating,effect.Not long after his return from leave, Baumer and some of his comrades go out on patrol to ascertain theenemysstrength. During this patrol, Baumer is pinned down in a shell hole, becomes disoriented, and suffers apanicattack. He states: "Tormented, terrified, in my imagination, I see the grey, implacable muzzle of a riflewhichmoves noiselessly before me whichever way I try to turn my head" (Remarque, All Quiet IX. 184-85). He isunableto regain his equanimity until he hears voices behind him. He recognizes the voices and realizes that heis closeto his comrades in his own trench. The effect of his fellow soldiers words on Baumer is antithetical tothe effecthis fathers and his fathers friends empty words have on him. At once a new warmth flows through me. These voices, these quiet words ... behind me recall me at a bound from the terrible loneliness and fear of death by which I had been almost destroyed. They aremore to me than life these voices, they are more than motherliness ...
