Franz Kemmerich's Death

The slow death of Franz Kemmerich from a leg amputation, watched by his friends who covet his boots.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Visit to the Hospital

The Visit to the Hospital The Amputation Paul, Kropp, and Müller visit Kemmerich in the hospital. He has lost his leg to amputation. He is pale and weak, and they know he is dying. The orderly tells them he will not survive. The Boots Müller is interested in Kemmerich's fine English boots. He suggests exchanging them, but Kemmerich refuses. The boots become a symbol of greed and the pragmatic survival instinct. The Vigil Paul sits with Kemmerich as he dies. He tries to comfort him, but there is no hope. The death is slow and painful. Paul sees the skeleton emerge through the skin.

The Death

The Death The Final Moments Kemmerich dies alone. Paul is called away, and when he returns, the bed is empty. The orderly is already preparing to take the body away. The Inheritance Paul takes Kemmerich's belongings. He gives the boots to Müller, who will wear them until his own death. The boots are passed on, a somber inheritance. The Letter to the Mother Paul must write to Kemmerich's mother, lying that he died instantly. The burden of the lie weighs on him. The death of a comrade is a familiar tragedy.

Early in the novel, after the first bombardment

Later that day