Chapter Six Question

The veterans again turn into animals, or "wild beasts," as Paul says; even in his cowardice Himmelstoss snaps and barks like a dog. This animal instinct is again necessary to desensitize the men to the horror around them. Paul's eye frequently roves over missing limbs and open gashes, but he cannot allow these sights to affect him too deeply. Rather, he must embrace his bloodlust along with the others and kill mercilessly. When he sees the Frenchman's face up close, he only momentarily refuses to kill before coming to his senses and hurling a grenade.