Quote 43
He put himself in position with evident satisfaction, raised his arm like a signal-mast and his hand like a coal-shovel and fetched such a blow on the white sack as would have felled an ox. (3.71)
Covered in a sheet, this isn't exactly a fair match. The soldiers aren't just having fun with Himmelstoss at this point – there seem to be some heavy emotions involved in this abuse.
Quote 44
"Couldn't you polish him up a bit?" I ask.
"He's too stupid, I couldn't be bothered," answers Mittelstaedt contemptuously. (7.129)
Do you agree with the way Mittelstaedt takes revenge on Kantorek? Paul seems to suggest that his friend should take pity on and try to improve their old school teacher. In many ways it seems that these soldiers have so little joy in their lives that revenge-seeking must be executed in only the most harsh and satisfying ways.
Quote 45
Any non-commissioned officer is more of an enemy to a recruit, any school-master to a pupil than they are to us. And yet we would shoot at them again and they at us if they were free. (8.22)
In this war the real enemies go unaccused, and the soldiers must bring about their own form of justice. As soldiers, however, they must follow the rules of their country and kill upon command.