One particular incident involving a bird occurs during a moment of temporary peace when Paul and his comrades witness a lark singing in no-man's land. The bird's song fills them with wonder and a brief respite from the grim realities of war. However, the moment of tranquility is shattered when the bird is shot down, representing the fragility and fleeting nature of hope in the midst of conflict.
The image of the bird serves as a reminder of the beauty and peace that exist outside the war zone. It symbolizes the yearning for a life beyond the trenches, where freedom, nature, and hope can be found. For Paul and his fellow soldiers, the bird represents a longing for an end to the war and a return to a world where life and peace prevail.