The novel All Quiet on the Western Front, written by Erich Maria Remarque, features the character Stanislaus Katczinsky. This dark-skinned soldier plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the younger soldiers during World War I. Using the philosophical ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, particularly his views on existentialism and humanism, this essay will evaluate the characteristics of Katczinsky and how Sartre would have perceived him as a person. Sartre believed that a person’s identity is not defined solely by their own experiences but rather by their relationships and interactions with others. By examining Katczinsky’s role as a leader, mentor, and father figure to the other soldiers, his views on war and its power dynamics. His actions in difficult situations, this essay will argue that Katczinsky embodies Sartre’s idea of authentic human existence, where individuals define their own essence through their choices and actions.

To start off, Katczinsky’s leadership is demonstrated in his role as a mentor to the younger soldiers, who look up to him and rely on his experience. Paul, the novel’s protagonist, describes Katczinsky’s intuition, “We couldn’t do anything without Katczinsky; he has a sixth sense” (37). Correspondingly, this quote demonstrates that Katczinsky’s leadership is based on experience and his ability to teach and help new recruits. He shares his food with them, helps them find shelter, and comes up with games to lighten the mood in tense situations. These actions show his unwavering commitment to his comrades and his willingness to guide and support those who need it. Sartre believed that comradeship is a crucial part of one’s identity, and Katczinsky’s leadership reinforces this notion.

Additionally, Katczinsky’s comradeship, as well as his mature opinions and beliefs on the futility of war, showcase deeper alignment with Sartre’s existentialism and humanism. Katczinsky shares his opinion on the motivations of the war stating, “And every full-grown emperor requires at least one war, otherwise, he would not become famous. You look in your school books” (206).  This quote shows that Katczinsky’s views suggest that war is a human construct that serves the interests of those in power rather than the common people. His opinion shows his critical thinking and ability to question the status quo, which aligns with Sartre’s belief that individuals have the power to define their essence through their choices and actions. Additionally, Katczinsky’s mature opinions and beliefs on the futility of war align with Sartre’s existentialism and humanism.

Furthermore, Katczinsky’s alignment with Sartre’s existentialism and humanism is further demonstrated by Katczinsky’s actions in difficult situations that show his unwavering commitment to his comrades. For instance, when Katczinsky shoots an injured soldier to put him out of his misery, it showcases his ability to make tough decisions for the sake of others. Katczinsky also finds and cooks food for his comrades, an essential part of their survival in the war. These actions demonstrate his willingness to take care of those around him and prioritize their needs over his own. Sartre believed that one’s actions define authentic human existence, and Katczinsky’s selflessness highlights this idea. 

To summarize what was discussed in this essay, Katczinsky embodies Sartre’s idea of authentic human existence through his leadership, mature opinions, and selflessness towards his comrades. His role as a mentor and father figure to the younger soldiers demonstrates the importance of relationships in defining one’s identity, which aligns with Sartre’s humanism. Furthermore, his critical thinking and questioning of the war’s motivations show his ability to express his essence through his actions, which aligns with Sartre’s existentialism. Overall, Katczinsky is a complex character whose characteristics align with Sartre’s philosophical views on human existence.

Note:

This essay was mostly written with ChatGPT. I only tweaked and changed a few words to make the essay sound better and smoother. As a student, I believe that since we live in a progressive society, students and teachers should learn to adapt to these new AI tools instead of rejecting them. School is supposed to prepare students for the real world. The real world is starting to revolve around these AI tools and people are losing their jobs because they are being replaced by AI. Ignoring these tools will not solve any issue and it will not prepare students for the world therefore, I believe that teachers should teach students how to use these tools and how to make the best use of it. Students should learn how to use these tools well as it is apart of every day life now. Students should learn how to use these tools well in order for it to produce quality work. This is my first time using ChatGPT and I still had to do a lot of work in order for this essay to come out the way it did. I had to provide the AI tool with information on the character, quotes, information on the philosopher, and quotes from the philosopher. Just because students are using the AI doesn’t mean that they not doing any work. Students still have to give the AI quality information in order for it to produce quality work. We are still doing work, just less work.