Explore the different ways that Sherriff reveals courage to the audience?

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English Assignment

Explore the different ways that Sherriff reveals courage to the audience?

        Throughout ‘Journey’s End’, the sheer brutality of the war is portrayed to the audience in a subtle manner. The thousands of deaths and the shocking injuries were all facts of life for the soldiers in the trenches in World War One, but the playwright does not chose to focus upon these directly. For example, the raid at the end of the play is not visibly displayed, instead it is created through dramatic techniques such as lighting, sound effects and setting. In ‘Journeys End’, the audience, are fully aware of the horrors that the soldiers faced. The characters deal with the horrific situation in their own, different ways, showing astonishing courage throughout the play.

        Stanhope is the commander of their company and it is he who dominates the play. He is a committed, trustworthy, respected soldier, who has been out in the trenches for the longest period of time. “He’s a good chap” ,“He’s a long way the best company commander we’ve got.” Stanhope is courageous in many ways. He has been out in the war “for nearly three years” and “he came straight out from school – when he was eighteen.” This shows that he is very knowledgeable and experienced about the war and everything that is going on, but it also shows that he has been through an awful lot. The soldiers admire his determination and courage, for example, Osborne says, “Other men come over here and go home again ill, and young Stanhope goes on sticking in, month in month out.” This reveals to the audience that Stanhope is very courageous and loyal to his fellow soldiers.

        The audience never doubt that Stanhope is a hero, but like many heroes he has a

distinctly unpleasant side. He is under immense strain, and as a light relief to

keep him going, he turns to the help of alcohol. Hardy says to Osborne that he

“never did see a youngster put away the whiskey he does.” Also, Osborne warns

Raleigh that he should not expect too much from Stanhope, when he arrives. “You

mustn’t expect to find him quite the same…It – it tells on a man rather badly.”

The strain has taken its toll on Stanhope and inside he is under immense stress and pain, so he turns to drink for comfort of his nerves, which have “got battered to bits.” Yet still

Stanhope is strong and courageous. He could return home if he wanted to, but he

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stays and supports his company and friends. He is organised and skilful, and it shows courage to take on such a large responsibility at such a young age.

        Stanhope has a very affectionate and deeply touching relationship with his

second in command, Osborne, or as he prefers to be called, “Uncle.”  There is a

very warm and loving conversation when Osborne tucks Stanhope up for bed.

“[Osborne helps him on to the bed, takes the blanket and puts it over him.]”

Despite the fact that Stanhope is drunk, it is still very friendly, especially

when Stanhope says to Osborne, “Kiss ...

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