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Journey's End: Waiting, Fear, and Friendship in War

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sophie geddes

11/05/2023

English Literature

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English Literature

Journey's End: Waiting, Fear, and Friendship in War

Journey's End provides a haunting portrayal of life in World War I trenches, examining themes of friendship, fear, and coping mechanisms through the story of Captain Stanhope and his infantry company.

• The play centers on the psychological impact of warfare, particularly focusing on the effects of war on personal relationships between officers
• Coping with fear during trench warfare manifests differently among characters, from Stanhope's alcoholism to Osborne's stoic acceptance
• The significance of waiting emerges as a central theme, with soldiers experiencing intense anxiety during periods between combat
• Themes of class distinction, loyalty, and the futility of war are explored through various character interactions
• The play provides authentic insight into the psychological toll of trench warfare and the various ways soldiers maintained their sanity

...

11/05/2023

635

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

View

Page 1: Journey's End Themes

This page introduces the main themes of the play "Journey's End":

Friendship and Human Interaction: The play examines how war affects personal relationships, particularly focusing on power dynamics and interpersonal attitudes. The friendship between Stanhope and Raleigh is a prime example, showing how military life can strain even the closest bonds.

Anticipation, Expectations, and Uncertainty: Sherriff portrays the psychological challenge of waiting for combat. The constant threat of violence creates a tense atmosphere, with soldiers grappling with growing fear during quiet periods.

Fear and Coping: Characters exhibit various ways of dealing with fear, including acceptance, denial, and evasion. The most stable characters, like Osborne and Raleigh, acknowledge their fear but continue to perform their duties bravely.

Repetition, Futility, and Perspective: The play highlights the cyclical nature of trench life, with soldiers organizing their existence around mundane tasks. This repetition underscores the futility of their situation and the intermittent nature of trench warfare.

Highlight: The most emotionally stable characters in "Journey's End" are those who accept their situation, acknowledging their fear while still carrying out their duties.

Example: The cyclical nature of trench life is depicted through routine activities like eating meals, drinking tea, sleeping, and taking orders, emphasizing the repetitive quality of the soldiers' existence.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

View

Page 2: Journey's End Synopsis

This page provides a synopsis of the play and its historical context:

"Journey's End," first produced in 1928, offers a stark portrayal of life in the trenches during World War I. The play centers on Captain Stanhope, a young commander in his early 20s, leading an infantry company against the Germans in France in 1918. Stanhope, deeply affected by the horrors of war, has turned to heavy drinking to cope with his experiences.

The arrival of Lieutenant Raleigh, a naive and enthusiastic 18-year-old who idolizes Stanhope from their shared past, creates tension as Stanhope's memories collide with his harsh present reality. The play weaves together Stanhope's struggle for sanity with the experiences of other officers, providing a bitter commentary on the psychological effects of war.

Context: Written and performed a decade after World War I, the play resonated deeply with audiences still mourning losses or dealing with the war's aftermath. Set in the days leading up to the German Spring Offensive of 1918, many audience members would have been acutely aware of the impending historical events at St Quentin on March 21st.

Highlight: "Journey's End" provides a brutally honest insight into the psychological toll of trench warfare, with themes and relationships that continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Quote: Stanhope drinks copious amounts of whiskey so that he does not "go mad with fright."

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

View

Page 3: Journey's End Character Context

This page introduces the main characters of the play:

Captain Stanhope: The protagonist, who joined the war at 18 and has served for three years. Now the commanding officer of C Company, he drinks heavily to cope with the brutal reality of war. Despite his fluctuating temper, he is respected by his men. Stanhope is engaged to Raleigh's sister and hopes to maintain his heroic image in her eyes.

Lieutenant Osborne: Stanhope's levelheaded second-in-command, a middle-aged former schoolmaster. Known as "Uncle" by the men, he respects Stanhope's abilities and experience, taking on a caretaker role as Stanhope's condition worsens.

Second Lieutenant Raleigh: A fresh-faced 18-year-old straight out of school. He shares a past with Stanhope, having attended the same school. Raleigh looks up to Stanhope, whom he knows as Dennis. His first name, Jimmy, is revealed only at the end of the play when he is fatally injured.

Second Lieutenant Trotter: A middle-aged, portly officer who tries to make the best of life in the trenches. He enjoys food and has a practical, unimaginative approach to his situation.

Vocabulary: Neuralgia - Intense, typically intermittent pain along the course of a nerve, especially in the head or face.

Highlight: The characters in "Journey's End" represent a diverse range of ages, experiences, and coping mechanisms, providing a comprehensive view of life in the trenches.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

View

Page 4: Additional Characters and Context

This page continues the character descriptions and adds more context:

Second Lieutenant Hibbert: A junior officer in C Company who claims to be suffering from severe neuralgia. Stanhope suspects Hibbert is feigning illness to escape the front lines and spend the rest of the war in a hospital.

The Colonel: Stanhope's superior officer, who appears more concerned with pleasing his own superiors than protecting the lives of soldiers in action.

Definition: Neuralgia - A sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve.

Highlight: The characters in "Journey's End" represent various attitudes towards war, from Raleigh's youthful enthusiasm to Hibbert's apparent attempt to escape, showcasing the diverse psychological impacts of trench warfare.

Example: The contrast between Stanhope's heavy drinking as a coping mechanism and Osborne's calm, levelheaded approach illustrates the different ways soldiers dealt with the stress of war.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

View

Page 5: Symbolic Elements

The fifth page analyzes the play's use of symbols and motifs to convey deeper meanings about war and human nature.

Definition: Symbols such as candles represent life itself, while worms symbolize moral weakness and doubt.

Example: The recurring motif of poor-quality food serves both as comic relief and a reminder of the soldiers' harsh conditions.

Highlight: Discussions of civilian life reveal the soldiers' longing for normalcy and their attempts to maintain connection with their pre-war identities.

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English Literature

Journey's End: Waiting, Fear, and Friendship in War

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sophie geddes

@sophiegeddes

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Journey's End provides a haunting portrayal of life in World War I trenches, examining themes of friendship, fear, and coping mechanisms through the story of Captain Stanhope and his infantry company.

• The play centers on the psychological impact of warfare, particularly focusing on the effects of war on personal relationships between officers
• Coping with fear during trench warfare manifests differently among characters, from Stanhope's alcoholism to Osborne's stoic acceptance
• The significance of waiting emerges as a central theme, with soldiers experiencing intense anxiety during periods between combat
• Themes of class distinction, loyalty, and the futility of war are explored through various character interactions
• The play provides authentic insight into the psychological toll of trench warfare and the various ways soldiers maintained their sanity

...

11/05/2023

635

 

11

 

English Literature

15

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Page 1: Journey's End Themes

This page introduces the main themes of the play "Journey's End":

Friendship and Human Interaction: The play examines how war affects personal relationships, particularly focusing on power dynamics and interpersonal attitudes. The friendship between Stanhope and Raleigh is a prime example, showing how military life can strain even the closest bonds.

Anticipation, Expectations, and Uncertainty: Sherriff portrays the psychological challenge of waiting for combat. The constant threat of violence creates a tense atmosphere, with soldiers grappling with growing fear during quiet periods.

Fear and Coping: Characters exhibit various ways of dealing with fear, including acceptance, denial, and evasion. The most stable characters, like Osborne and Raleigh, acknowledge their fear but continue to perform their duties bravely.

Repetition, Futility, and Perspective: The play highlights the cyclical nature of trench life, with soldiers organizing their existence around mundane tasks. This repetition underscores the futility of their situation and the intermittent nature of trench warfare.

Highlight: The most emotionally stable characters in "Journey's End" are those who accept their situation, acknowledging their fear while still carrying out their duties.

Example: The cyclical nature of trench life is depicted through routine activities like eating meals, drinking tea, sleeping, and taking orders, emphasizing the repetitive quality of the soldiers' existence.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Page 2: Journey's End Synopsis

This page provides a synopsis of the play and its historical context:

"Journey's End," first produced in 1928, offers a stark portrayal of life in the trenches during World War I. The play centers on Captain Stanhope, a young commander in his early 20s, leading an infantry company against the Germans in France in 1918. Stanhope, deeply affected by the horrors of war, has turned to heavy drinking to cope with his experiences.

The arrival of Lieutenant Raleigh, a naive and enthusiastic 18-year-old who idolizes Stanhope from their shared past, creates tension as Stanhope's memories collide with his harsh present reality. The play weaves together Stanhope's struggle for sanity with the experiences of other officers, providing a bitter commentary on the psychological effects of war.

Context: Written and performed a decade after World War I, the play resonated deeply with audiences still mourning losses or dealing with the war's aftermath. Set in the days leading up to the German Spring Offensive of 1918, many audience members would have been acutely aware of the impending historical events at St Quentin on March 21st.

Highlight: "Journey's End" provides a brutally honest insight into the psychological toll of trench warfare, with themes and relationships that continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Quote: Stanhope drinks copious amounts of whiskey so that he does not "go mad with fright."

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Page 3: Journey's End Character Context

This page introduces the main characters of the play:

Captain Stanhope: The protagonist, who joined the war at 18 and has served for three years. Now the commanding officer of C Company, he drinks heavily to cope with the brutal reality of war. Despite his fluctuating temper, he is respected by his men. Stanhope is engaged to Raleigh's sister and hopes to maintain his heroic image in her eyes.

Lieutenant Osborne: Stanhope's levelheaded second-in-command, a middle-aged former schoolmaster. Known as "Uncle" by the men, he respects Stanhope's abilities and experience, taking on a caretaker role as Stanhope's condition worsens.

Second Lieutenant Raleigh: A fresh-faced 18-year-old straight out of school. He shares a past with Stanhope, having attended the same school. Raleigh looks up to Stanhope, whom he knows as Dennis. His first name, Jimmy, is revealed only at the end of the play when he is fatally injured.

Second Lieutenant Trotter: A middle-aged, portly officer who tries to make the best of life in the trenches. He enjoys food and has a practical, unimaginative approach to his situation.

Vocabulary: Neuralgia - Intense, typically intermittent pain along the course of a nerve, especially in the head or face.

Highlight: The characters in "Journey's End" represent a diverse range of ages, experiences, and coping mechanisms, providing a comprehensive view of life in the trenches.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Page 4: Additional Characters and Context

This page continues the character descriptions and adds more context:

Second Lieutenant Hibbert: A junior officer in C Company who claims to be suffering from severe neuralgia. Stanhope suspects Hibbert is feigning illness to escape the front lines and spend the rest of the war in a hospital.

The Colonel: Stanhope's superior officer, who appears more concerned with pleasing his own superiors than protecting the lives of soldiers in action.

Definition: Neuralgia - A sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve.

Highlight: The characters in "Journey's End" represent various attitudes towards war, from Raleigh's youthful enthusiasm to Hibbert's apparent attempt to escape, showcasing the diverse psychological impacts of trench warfare.

Example: The contrast between Stanhope's heavy drinking as a coping mechanism and Osborne's calm, levelheaded approach illustrates the different ways soldiers dealt with the stress of war.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 5: Symbolic Elements

The fifth page analyzes the play's use of symbols and motifs to convey deeper meanings about war and human nature.

Definition: Symbols such as candles represent life itself, while worms symbolize moral weakness and doubt.

Example: The recurring motif of poor-quality food serves both as comic relief and a reminder of the soldiers' harsh conditions.

Highlight: Discussions of civilian life reveal the soldiers' longing for normalcy and their attempts to maintain connection with their pre-war identities.

JOURNEY'S END THEMES r FRIENDSHIP + HUMAN INTERACTION → Sherriff shows the effects of war on personal relationships. He focuses on how worti

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Overall Summary

Journey's End is a poignant World War I play that delves into the psychological toll of trench warfare. The story revolves around Captain Stanhope and his company, exploring themes of:

  • Friendship and human interaction in wartime
  • Anticipation and uncertainty of combat
  • Coping mechanisms for fear and stress
  • Futility and repetition of trench life
  • Perspective shifts due to war experiences

Key aspects include:

  • Set in 1918 during a critical German offensive
  • Written in 1928, resonating with post-war audiences
  • Focuses on personal relationships and psychological effects
  • Highlights the contrast between naive newcomers and war-weary veterans
  • Explores various coping strategies, from acceptance to denial

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.