Thursday, September 30, 2010
Independent Novel Study Protagonist Analysis
The novel I am reading for the indepent novel study is "All Quiet on the Western Front" by E.M. Remarque. In this novel, the protagonist is Paul Bäumer, a german soldier serving in World War I; Paul also acts as the narrator throughout the novel. Personality wise, Paul is a character torn between his sentive, more humane side, and his military side which demans him to abandon human emotion. While put in many life and death situations, Paul relies on his 'animal instinct' to survive. However, a prolonged exposure to harsh experiences eventually begins to take over Paul, and so begins a struggle between a young aspiring poet with a loving family, and a bloodied soldier with love for no one. Paul Bäumer is a very likeable character in the way he acts and his general personality as first depicted, but with his flaws he is more captivating to the reader because it presents a conflict that the reader hopes to be resolved by the protagonist. Based on the analysis of the protagonist, Paul Bäumer, it can be predicted that the above mentioned traits of this character will have a large effect on how the plot unfolds throughout the novel.
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Great post! Do you think that by adding flaws to a protagonist, it necessarily creates a more affable character? It is more profound to create a flawed character than a perfect one; however, should not the author create an archetype of perfection although it is impossible to achieve in order to aspire readers? It is heartwarming to create a flawed character succeed but it is also valid to say that a perfect protagonist would be more popular. It is in my opinion that flawed characters are more amiable than perfect ones but I also think that one can say that a character that epitomizes perfection is also very likable.
ReplyDeleteI love this movie! I believe he is a likable character because of his feelings for others, and a cold hearted side that has no emotions. This makes him a "two faced" character, which makes the novel very interesting because of this flaw. If he was in a situation where he has to kill a soldier, it will be difficult for him because of his "two faced" personality. In my opinion it will build up suspense because he is battling either he should kill or not to kill. For this reason, I agree with you that a character with flaws can make a novel more dynamic because of the conflicts he will face.
ReplyDeleteHey Ethan,
ReplyDeleteThe story of your novel really stands out to me, especially your protagonist’s character. His personality’s duality really strengthens one of the messages of your novel – how war can really affect one’s life, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is heartbreaking to hear that Paul has to learn to throw away his cherished memories with his loved ones, then being further changed into becoming a machine whom only kills with emotions for no one.
Paul’s flaws ultimately reflect the reality of war and the realistic characteristics of human beings – that no one can live in perfection, surrounding-wise, nor to be perfect themselves, as of moral character. Hopefully this intriguing protagonist of your novel will, in the end, choose to return to who he really was, and that he would be able to persevere through his obstacles, physically and emotionally.
Hey Ethan
ReplyDeleteYour character is relatable to most soldiers in the war. When a war starts, suddenly all the morals and ethics of mankind are reversed. Killing and slaughtering are justified and encouraged, and soldiers have to face death of both their enemy and their comrade. Away from family and friends, all that will accompany the soldiers is death threatening danger. Experiences on the battle field can change a person completely, and many soldier, like the protagonist in your novel, will be torn between their sensitive side and the cruel, cold-heartedness required by the war. It is very difficult for soldiers to adjust to this wartime lifestyle, and I believe Paul suffers the very same. I really hope that he can grow strong enough to survive the cruelty of the war yet still keep his kind and sensitive side.