Paul's mother
Paul's gravely ill mother, whose quiet love makes leaving home again more painful.
To protect and comfort her son while concealing how seriously ill she is.
The book
At a glance
- Paul's mother
- Seriously ill
- Paul's German hometown
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeShe tries to care for Paul even while she is sick and frightened for him.
Their love remains real, but neither can find words that bridge civilian home and the front.
How the book draws them
- GentleShe does not demand heroic stories from Paul.
- Seriously illHer own suffering shadows his leave.
- ProtectiveShe worries about his exposure to danger and hardship.
- Limited speechTheir most important feelings remain largely unsaid.
Paul leaves her to return to the front without knowing whether he will see her again. The novel does not provide a later reunion.
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