Journey's End: Analysis of Major Characters
"Journey's End" is a powerful play set during World War I that explores the experiences and dynamics of soldiers in the trenches through its major characters. Captain Dennis Stanhope serves as the hardened and cynical commanding officer, shaped by three years of combat, yet demonstrating a deep commitment to his role despite his struggles with alcohol. His second-in-command, Lieutenant Osborne, is a more mature figure, previously a schoolteacher, who strives to maintain morale among the men and is ultimately killed during a mission, highlighting the brutal realities of war. Lieutenant Raleigh, a young and idealistic officer who idolizes Stanhope, faces the disillusionment of war as he grapples with the loss of his friend Osborne and his own fate when he is also fatally wounded. In contrast, Second Lieutenant Hibbert embodies cowardice and attempts to shirk his responsibilities, only to be confronted and pressured by Stanhope to fulfill his duties. The interplay between these characters showcases the range of human responses to the harrowing circumstances of trench warfare, from heroism and resilience to fear and disillusionment. Through their relationships and individual arcs, "Journey's End" poignantly examines the psychological toll of conflict and the complexities of camaraderie among soldiers.
Journey's End: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: R. C. Sherriff
First published: 1929
Genre: Play
Locale: A battlefield in France
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: March, 1918
Captain Dennis Stanhope, a British officer whose three years in the front lines have made him a hard, cynical, and heavy-drinking man. Stanhope is first and foremost a soldier, however, and when his young friend is fatally wounded, he returns immediately to his duties as commanding officer.
Lieutenant Osborne, Stanhope's second in command. He is a middle-aged man who was a schoolteacher in civilian life. Osborne is anxious to keep peace in the company. He is killed, along with several other members of a raiding party sent out to capture some prisoners from whom the colonel of the regiment hopes to obtain information.
Lieutenant Raleigh, a school friend of Stanhope and the brother of Stanhope's fiancée. Raleigh worships Stanhope as a hero and can hardly recognize his old friend when he meets him in the front lines. Raleigh is a callow youth, full of vitality, who soon makes friends with Osborne. He cannot understand how the other men in the company can celebrate after Osborne and several others are killed in the raiding party. Raleigh is fatally wounded in a German attack.
Second Lieutenant Hibbert, an officer in Stanhope's company who is a malingerer and a coward. Stanhope bullies Hibbert into staying on duty after Hibbert tries to get a doctor to give him a medical excuse for being relieved from duty.