The Transformation

            Rites of Spring: The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age, by Modris Eksteins, details the war between Germany and France. The author illustrates the struggles and difficulties the soldiers had faced. The tale also shows the change Germany’s battle tactics had changed idea of war; while also intermingling into the story Soldier’s Home and how Krebes changed because of the war.

            In Rites of Spring: The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age, the soldiers face the horror of living in trenches and watching comrades fall. The story reveals that living in the trenches were difficult for both armies because of the infestation of insect and rats. The insects multiplied quickly and the rats were extremely big. They also watched as their comrades died while trying to move from trench to trench. The soldiers also had to face the harsh winters and food shortages. The author also allows the reader to see into the diaries of the soldiers. The dairies reveals how the soldiers felt during the battles. Finally the author gives information about germany’s stategy and the debate about it. Now it’s time to discuss how the transformation of Krebes.

            One transformation that occurred is that he cannot talk about the stories of war. Krebes had to “lie” about his actions in the war because of the lack of hearing the truth. The soldiers who had returned before him had already announced their stories, such as “detailed accounts of German women found chained to machine guns…or were barred by their patriotism from interest in.” Because of his constant lying, Krebes “acquired nausea” and felt like “he [had] lost everything.” (P.112)

            Another transformation is the culture of his home town. The author addresses that the young girls’ style of clothing and hair has changed. Krebes states that “most of [the young girls] had their hair short….They all wear sweaters and shirts waists with round Dutch collars.” Another change is that Krebs felt that he did not need a girl in his life. He states the “army taught him that” yet he finds German and French girls attractive. Krebes enjoyed his time in Germany and wished to return.

            His final transformation is that he denounces his God and purpose. The war has changed Krebes and his family sees it. He does not leave the house, has not found a wife and his mother is worried about him. The war could’ve taken a toll on him because of the possibility of seeing his friends and comrades dying in front of him. Several soldiers has died in gruesome ways. Men have been killed because of being shot while leaving the tranches. As a result, he became numb to the idea of working in the real world. He had saved his country and wanted to be free of the responsibility. However, his mother and father want him to live a normal adult life. They want him to start a job, raise a family and believe in Jesus. However, he does not believe in a God or Jesus.