Paul Bäumer, the narrator and protagonist in All Quiet on the Western Front, is a character who develops extensively within the course of the novel. As a young man, he is persuaded to join the German Army during World War I. This three year ordeal is marked by Paul's short, but tragic trek into adulthood as he learns to cope with the trials and tribulations of war. In the wake of a struggle which …showed first 75 words of 1359 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1359 total…the illusion of a society created by his superiors. This revelation is evidence that Paul has become a man; however, with this new maturity comes a loss of his purity of heart. Paul can no longer distinguish himself with society; instead, he is perverted by war and becomes its victim as he slowly subsides to its rule. Paul Bäumer’s enduring spirit causes him to adapt in order to survive an abyss of death.