Stanislaus Katczinsky's Death

The death of Kat, the wise and resourceful cobbler, who is killed by a stray splinter while being carried to the dressing station.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Resourceful Friend

The Resourceful Friend The Scrounger Kat is the oldest and most experienced of the group. He can find food anywhere, from a goose to a box of lobsters. He is the leader, the one who knows how to survive. The Mentor He teaches Paul and the others the tricks of the front: how to roast horseflesh, how to avoid shelling, how to trade. He is a father figure, pragmatic and wise. The Bond Kat and Paul share a deep bond. They cook together, sleep together, and understand each other without words. Kat is the anchor of Paul's existence.

The Wound

The Wound The Last Errand Kat and Paul are bringing food to the front. A shell explodes nearby. Kat is hit in the shin. Paul bandages him and decides to carry him to the dressing station. The Journey Paul carries Kat on his back. They talk about the future, about meeting after the war. Kat is in pain but hopeful. Paul is determined to save him. The Irony They reach the dressing station. Paul sets Kat down, thinking he is safe. But an orderly tells him Kat is dead—a stray splinter has hit his head. The wound in the leg was not fatal. The Loss Paul is devastated. Kat was his last true friend. The war has taken everything from him. He is now utterly alone.

Throughout the novel, from the beginning to the end of summer 1918

During the summer of 1918, while bringing food