EXPLORING THE HUMAN COST OF WAR AND ENHANCING ESL STUDENTS’ LEXICAL RESOURCES THROUGH ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT BY ERICH MARIA REMARQUE

Abstract

This article examines the representation of the human cost of war and the loss of youth in All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and analyzes its educational value for ESL students. The study focuses on the protagonist Paul Bäumer’s experiences on the Western Front as a symbol of disillusionment, trauma, and the fragility of human life during the First World War. In addition, the article explores how the novel contributes to vocabulary development, reading comprehension, communication skills, and critical thinking among English as a Second Language learners. Through reflective and literary analysis, the article demonstrates that Remarque’s novel functions not only as a powerful antiwar narrative but also as an effective educational resource for language learning. The findings suggest that literature-based instruction can enhance lexical resources and encourage moral reflection in ESL classrooms.