The discussion over youth/the loss of innocence reminded me of the poem “To an Athlete Dying Young” by AE Housman. The poem is not about World War 1, but it certainly has similar attitudes that can be applied to those who had fought in the war. Dr. Scanlon mentioned the line “they will not grow old” from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon, and I think “To an Athlete Dying Young” provides an interesting contrast to the promise of remembrance that “For the Fallen” offers. Housman’s narrator does not commend those that die as much as he implores for all to be able to die the same way–while still glorious, without the struggle that will await them if they are so unlucky as to return home. I wonder if Paul has this same desire, especially considering how he and those his age are unsure of their future upon returning home. I wonder if Paul and Kat’s consideration of the mercy kill on the recruit was done out of some sort of admiration for the young man who represented their own youth and insecurity but, despite it all, was still able to fight and die. That young man will be remembered as someone who died for his country (like in “For the Fallen”) but what will Paul be remembered for? Perhaps he will be celebrated when he returns home, but then what? His kills? His wounds? His memories? Is it not more desirable, at that point, to die in battle?

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46452/to-an-athlete-dying-young