Haie Westhus's Death

The death of the peat-digger Haie Westhus, who is shot in the back and dies from a lung wound.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Peat Digger

The Peat Digger The Strong Man Haie Westhus is a large, simple man, a peat digger who dreams of becoming a non-commissioned officer in peacetime. He is the strong arm of the group, always ready to fight. The Thrashing of Himmelstoss He delivers the heaviest blows during the thrashing. The beating is the high point of his life; he often dreams of it. The Reality Despite his strength, he is vulnerable. The war does not distinguish between the strong and the weak.

The Wound

The Wound The Attack During an attack, Haie is hit in the back. The lung pulses at every breath. He knows he is dying. Paul can only press his hand. The Pain Haie groans and bites his arm to bear the pain. He is carried away, but his wound is mortal. The Death Haie dies soon after. His death is another loss for the dwindling group. The strong man is gone.

Throughout the novel

During the summer of 1918 offensive