Jean-Paul Sartre was a renowned philosopher whose ideas on existentialism continue to influence modern philosophy. In his philosophy, Sartre emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. Sartre’s ideas on existentialism can be used to evaluate the ethics and morality of characters in Erich Maria Remarque’s novel All Quiet on the Western Front. The novel, set during World War I, follows a group of young soldiers as they experience the horrors of war. 

In Sartre’s philosophy, he emphasizes the idea that individuals have complete freedom and responsibility for their actions. He argues that we are not predetermined by any external force or deity and that our existence is entirely our own responsibility. This philosophy is reflected in the characters of All Quiet on the Western Front, particularly in their interactions with each other and the events that unfold throughout the novel.

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One of the key ideas in Sartre’s philosophy is the idea of killing another human. Sartre argues that when we kill another human, we are exercising complete freedom and responsibility over our actions. He believes that killing is a choice that we make and that we must accept the consequences of that choice. 

One character who grapples with this idea is Paul Baumer, the protagonist of the novel. When Paul is first introduced, he is an idealistic young man who believes that war is a noble cause. However, as he experiences the horrors of war, he begins to question the morality of killing. He realizes that killing another human is not justifiable and that it is a choice that he must take responsibility for. As Paul reflects on his experiences, after stabbing a soldier, he states, 

“Comrade, I did not want to kill you. If you jumped in here again, I would not do it, if you would be sensible too. But you were only an idea to me before, an abstraction that lived in my mind and called forth its appropriate response. It was that abstraction I stabbed. But now, for the first time, I see you are a man like me. I thought of your hand grenades, of your bayonet, of your rifle; now I see your wife and your face and our fellowship. Forgive me, comrade. We always see it too late,” (Remarque 215). 

This quote demonstrates how Paul’s views on killing have changed as he has witnessed the horrors of war. Through the beliefs of existentialism, Paul now sees he is the only one responsible for what he did, and must accept it fully. He no longer believes that war is a noble cause, and he understands the consequences of taking another person’s life.

Another idea in Sartre’s philosophy is the importance of individual responsibility in relation to cowardly behavior. Sartre argues that when we engage in cowardly behavior, we are refusing to take responsibility for our actions. Cowardly behavior is a way of avoiding responsibility, and it is a denial of our freedom as individuals. Within the novel, the characters are forced to confront the idea of cowardly behavior as they experience the fear and uncertainty of war.

One character who struggles with cowardly behavior is Himmelstoss, the group’s former drill instructor. Himmelstoss is depicted as a bully who enjoys tormenting the soldiers, and he is despised by the other characters. However, when Himmelstoss is sent to the front lines, he becomes paralyzed with fear and is unable to engage in combat. This behavior is a denial of his individual responsibility, and it is seen as cowardly by the other characters. As Paul reflects on Himmelstoss’s behavior, he states, “He is in a state of complete collapse. He no longer bears any responsibility for himself; he is irresponsible; he knows that he will be carried along by the wave; he lacks the courage to kill himself” (Remarque 204). Himmelstoss is declining and allowing himself to crumble. This quote displays the existentialist belief that cowardness is a violation of the rights and freedom we have as individuals. 

Compassion is a way of acknowledging the interconnectedness of all individuals and recognizing our shared humanity. For Sartre, compassion is a form of acknowledging the shared human condition and recognizing the struggles and suffering that others face.

One character who demonstrates compassion is Katczinsky, a veteran soldier who becomes a mentor to Paul. Katczinsky is depicted as a compassionate and wise character who understands the realities of war. He teaches Paul the importance of looking out for others and showing compassion towards one’s fellow soldiers. As Paul reflects on Katczinsky’s character, he states, 

“Bread made of turnips? You’ve been in luck, it’s nothing new for it to be made of sawdust. But what do you say to haricot beans? Have some?” The youngster turns red: “You can’t kid me.” Katczinsky merely says: “Fetch your mess-tin,” (Remarque 41). 

Kat’s unconditional kindness is shown through this interaction. And it demonstrates how Katczinsky’s compassion towards others is viewed as a necessary survival mechanism in the face of war. In conclusion, the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre can be used to evaluate the ethics and morality of characters in Erich Maria Remarque’s novel All Quiet on the Western Front. Sartre’s emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility, the ethics of killing another human, the denial of responsibility in cowardly behavior, and the importance of compassion towards others are all reflected in the novel’s characters and events. Through the characters of Paul, Himmelstoss, and Katczinsky, the novel explores the complexities of human behavior in the face of war and the choices individuals must make. Sartre’s philosophy provides a viewpoint through which we can analyze the characters’ actions and decisions, and it highlights the importance of individual responsibility and compassion towards others, even in the most challenging of circumstances.