Assignment #3: Transformers
Personal Experience: Write about an experience in your own life that changed your personality. What
happened? What aspect of your personality changed? Do you think this change was a positive one or a
negative one? Why?
Part 1: The Soldiers
In chapters 2 and 3, Paul gives various explanations of how the experience of boot camp affected the
soldiers.
1.) What are two ways that boot camp transforms the soldiers? For each change, find a quote (not the one
from the reading journal!) that demonstrates it, and explain whether you think it is a positive or negative
change (and why).
2.) Overall, do you think it was necessary for the soldiers to be changed in the ways that they were? Why
or why not?
Part 2: Himmelstoss
3.) What was Himmelstoss’s profession before the military? How does he act now that he is a military
officer?
4.) In chapter three, how does Katcinsky explain Himmelstoss’s transformation? Do you think Katcinsky’s
ideas about human beings are correct? Why or why not?
5.) In your own words, explain whether you think that Himmelstoss is truly a bad officer, or whether his
actions are justified. Give specific examples from the book to support your point of view.
Part 3: The Soldiers and Himmelstoss
6.
How does Paul react to the beating of Himmelstoss? Do you think this reaction is characteristic of
Paul? Why or why not?
7.
Do you think that the soldiers’ revenge on Himmelstoss is more a result of their natural
personalities or more a result of the way they have been influenced by boot camp? Why?