Stanhope and Raleigh in R.C. Sherriffs Journeys End :: Sherriff Journeys End Essays

Stanhope and Raleigh in R.C. Sherriffs Journeys EndJourneys End is a well genuine play written in 1928, by R.CSherriff. The play is set in a trench system, which were used duringmost of the Great War. In the play we build an insight into afascinating relationship between a Junior ships officer, Raleigh, and thecommanding officer, Stanhope. The relationship shows us some effectsof the war and it has many ups and overmatch which are well portrayed.During this essay I will comwork forcet about the ever changing relationshipbetween young Raleigh and Stanhope.Commanding officer Stanhope is the company commander and is thereforeunder constant pressure, as he had to make tactical decisions and isalso responsible for the welfare for a number of officers. Stanhope isconsidered as one of the best infantry commanders, Hes a long waythe best company commander weve got, Osborne (Pg 4). Stanhope formsa tender bond the officers, he is seen as hard working and passionate,His commanded this com pany for a year in and out of the front line.Hes never had a rest. Other men come over here and go home again ill,young Stanhope goes on sticking it, mouth in, mouth out, Osborne(pg6).Stanhope particularly forms a strong bond with Officer Osborne,Stanhope has been involved in war activities since the war started andwe see that during this time Stanhope has grown a close relationshipwith Osborne, and sees him as an Uncle-figure. Numerous measure we seethat Stanhope refers to Osborne as, Uncle.The character of Stanhope also shows the dread and hear of war, welearn of commander Stanhope tipsiness vice, often he is reduced toendless bottles of whisky to revert from the stress of war, it showshow badly men were affected. His problem with drinking is seen to alarge extent, the reason why the relationship between himself andRaleigh is never stable and is continu all in ally changing. His drinkingproblem is highlighted throughout the play, Drinking as a fish asusual, (pg 4). He is seen as a workaholic, Ive seen him on hisback all day with trench fever then on duty all night, (pg 6) andit seems as of he is not coping well at all, broken control ofhimself and the he sort of - came to and cried, (pg 6).Raleigh is a young officer, drafted out from England into commanderStanhopes infantry. Raleigh is a very inexperienced soldier, havingjust been transported from England and the candidate of being one ofStanhopes officers is a momentous boost to his fragile confidence.