Interesting facts about Remark Is a great opportunity to learn more about the work of the German writer. Some of his works have become world classics. The life of the writer was seriously influenced by the events of the First World War (1914-1918), to which he later dedicated many of his works.
So, here are the most interesting facts about Remark.
- Erich Maria Remarque (1898-1970) - writer and novelist.
- Remarque is one of the brightest representatives of the "lost generation". This term refers to young people called up to the front at the age of 18, often not having finished school and starting to kill early. After the war, such men often could not adapt to a peaceful life, as a result of which they got drunk, lost their minds or committed suicide.
- Remarque had 4 brothers and sisters.
- In his youth, Remarque's favorite writers were Zweig, Dostoevsky, Proust and Goethe.
- At a young age, Remarque gave private piano lessons.
- At the age of 18, Remarque went to the front, where he was soon wounded by shrapnel. For this reason, the young soldier spent the rest of the war in a hospital.
- Did you know that at birth the writer was named Erich Paul Remarque? He changed his middle name to "Maria" in memory of his deceased mother when he was 19 years old.
- Remarque attached great importance to his appearance. He liked to dress fashionably, in particular, he liked to wear wide ties.
- An interesting fact is that in the post-war years, Remarque managed to work as a teacher, accountant, musician and even a seller of tombstones.
- Once the writer admitted that he wrote his books after impressions from one or another music.
- It is curious that Remarque was extremely negative about any military conflicts, calling himself a pacifist.
- During the First World War (1914-1918), Remarque was awarded the honorary German award - the Iron Cross of the 1st degree.
- Remarque wrote down his works with a pencil, until the end of his days not recognizing the typewriter.
- After the end of the war, Remarque lived for some time in a gypsy camp.
- World fame came to the writer after the publication of the novel All Quiet on the Western Front. An interesting fact is that the book was written by the author for only 6 weeks.
- For this novel, the Nazis called Erich Maria Remarque a traitor to his homeland, propagandizing pessimistic sentiments.
- Josef Goebbels, one of Hitler's henchmen, launched a massive campaign against Remarque and his work.
- After a divorce from his first wife, Remarque later remarried with her, but this time in a fictitious one. Thus, he wanted to help his wife leave the borders of Nazi Germany.
- In the midst of World War II (1939-1945), the German government executed the writer's sister, accused of criticizing the current government. Soon Remarque received a letter from the German leadership, demanding to pay for the executioner.
- Having settled in America back in 1939, Remarque was able to obtain American citizenship only after 8 years.
- Did you know that Erich Maria Remarque maintained friendly relations with the famous artist and actor Charlie Chaplin (see interesting facts about Chaplin)?
- Already a popular writer, Remarque was in a love relationship with the famous actress Marlene Dietrich.
- Paulette Goddard, the ex-wife of Charlie Chaplin, became Remarque's second wife.
- Remarque was a fan of painting. His collection included works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Renoir.
- A crown was depicted on the business cards of the writer, since he acquired the baronial title from a ruined nobleman.
- Throughout his life, Remarque collected images and figurines of angels.
- Remarque had a weakness for alcohol. He stated that in a sober state it was difficult for him to communicate even with himself, and not only with people.
