Answer: When Remarque mentions "innocently slay," he is likely referring to the senseless and tragic nature of war
Explanation:
The excerpt provided is from the novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque. In this passage, the author depicts the disillusionment and despair experienced by the younger generation, particularly soldiers who were thrust into the horrors of World War I.
When Remarque mentions "innocently slay," he is likely referring to the senseless and tragic nature of war, where young soldiers are sent to fight in conflicts they may not fully understand or believe in. They are innocent in the sense that they are often unaware of the true reasons behind the war and the political machinations that drive it. Yet, they become unwitting participants in the violence and destruction, causing harm to others and being harmed themselves.
The author's purpose in using this phrase is to highlight the tragedy and futility of war, as well as to convey the sense of loss of innocence experienced by the younger generation who are caught up in its brutality.
