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 received bit written in 1928, by R.CSherriff. The play is set in a trench system, which were used duringmost of the corking War. In the play we get an insight into afascinating affinity in the midst of a Junior officer, Raleigh, and thecommanding officer, Stanhope. The alliance shows us most effectsof the war and it has many ups and down which are well portrayed.During this strive I will comment ab go forth the ever changing human relationshipbetween young Raleigh and Stanhope.Commanding officer Stanhope is the company air force officer 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 wiz of the best infantry commanders, Hes a long personal mannerthe best company commander weve got, Osborne (Pg 4). Stanhope formsa strong bond the officers, he is seen as hard working and passionate,H is commanded this company for a year in and out of the front line.Hes never had a rest. opposite men come over here and go home again ill,young Stanhope goes on sticking it, mouth in, mouth out, Osborne(pg6).Stanhope oddly 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 times we seethat Stanhope refers to Osborne as, Uncle.The character of Stanhope also shows the savvy and stress of war, welearn of commander Stanhope drinking vice, often he is minify toendless bottles of whisky to revert from the stress of war, it showshow badly men were affected. His line with drinking is seen to alarge extent, the reason why the relationship between himself andRaleigh is never stable and is continually changing. His drinkingproblem is highlighted end-to-end the play, Drinking as a fish asusual, (pg 4). He is seen as a workaholic, Ive seen him on hisback all mean solar day with trench fever then on duty all darkness, (pg 6) andit seems as of he is not coping well at all, bewildered 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, having fitting been transported from England and the prospect of being one ofStanhopes officers is a momentous get ahead to his fragile confidence.