Prompt #1: Analyze the character of Paul Bäumer. What type of person is he? Define and give examples of the character traits that make him unique. Was he a dynamic character, did he change during the course of the novel, or did he remain static, never changing? Be sure to use examples and evidence from the novel to support all of your claims. Prompt #2: How do you think Paul felt about the enemy soldiers? What do you think Paul thought of those fighting against him on the other side of the battle lines? What events in the novel influenced Paul’s opinion of the enemy soldier? Describe with specific evidence from the book.
Prompt #3: Interpret the meaning of the title of the novel. What is the significance of “quiet” in the novel? Was there much quiet? Why is it ironic that Paul would die on a quiet day? Be sure to refer to the use of specific evidence from the book to support your claims.

Prompt #4: Deep friendships or brotherhood between fellow soldiers is an important theme in the novel. Explore the significance of this theme in an essay. Why was it important for Paul to develop bonds with those fighting in his company? Where any of these bonds stronger than others? Describe the bonds Paul had and be sure to use examples from the book to back up your thoughts.

Read the excerpts from part 3 of "an occurrence at owl creek bridge." a rising sheet of water curved over him, fell down upon him, blinded him, strangled him! the cannon had taken a hand in the game. as he shook his head free from the commotion of the smitten water he heard the deflected shot humming through the air ahead, and in an instant it was cracking and smashing the branches in the forest beyond. *** a whiz and rattle of grapeshot among the branches high above his head roused him from his dream. the baffled cannoneer had fired him a random farewell. he sprang to his feet, rushed up the sloping bank, and plunged into the forest. *** as he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon—then all is darkness and silence! what function does the motif of the cannon serve throughout the story? the cannon continually pushes farquhar to continue his journey through his dream and back to reality. the cannon encourages farquhar to investigate whether his escape was a dream or reality. the cannon reminds farquhar that time is subjective and encourages him to move quickly in order to reach his home. the cannon represents farquhar’s romantic dream that he escaped his execution and will return home.