After Raleigh exits the room, Osborne tells Stanhope off (by saying: Good Heavens!); his reaction to this is: “…I’m commanding this company. I’ll ask for advice when I want it!” Stanhope’s reaction is a furious one, having a go at Osborne; his right-hand man, for no reason. He then no longer wishes to read the letter and puts his head between his hands. There is tension between Stanhope and Osborne at this point; their exchange from there on out are short monosyllabic replies. Stanhope’s reaction to the letter is guilt; he hurt his friend for nothing, he feels very ashamed of himself. ‘Stanhope sits with lowered head…He rises heavily and crosses to the shadows…” His body language shows his depression. The audience would hate, and yet also sympathise with Stanhope; detest him for having a go at Raleigh for nothing, yet also feel for him; guilty over doing what he did.
At the beginning of the scene, Osborne and Raleigh’s have an exchange. The details aren’t important however; Osborne is trying to avoid conflict between Stanhope and Raleigh by getting Raleigh out of there and cleaning the rifles. Osborne doesn’t take sides during the argument he merely tries to stay out of it and help them both; his calm nature helps Stanhope to feel his guilt.
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In Act 2 scene 2, Stanhope is portrayed as a different leader. Hibbert is trying to escape from the trenches by pretending he has neuralgia. However, more likely is that he has a mental condition; shell shock etc (many men at the had mental conditions but this wasn’t known till recently; people who tried to get away from the war-unless they had a physical disability-were shot as deserters).
You can almost immediately tell that Stanhope is in control during the opening of the conversation between Hibbert and himself. “You have?” This is Hibbert’s reaction to Stanhope telling him that he also has neuralgia. Stanhope catches Hibbert off guard; he acts like its no big deal whereas Hibbert is trying to worm his way home with the same condition; Stanhope is beginning to break apart Hibbert’s lie at this point. Hibbert is riled by Stanhope’s clam yet firm, controlling tone. This is shown with the stage direction: ‘There is silence for a moment. Stanhope is looking at Hibbert-till Hibbert turns away and walks towards his dug-out.’ Hibbert can’t hold eye con tact with Stanhope showing he is unnerved by this. Stanhope gives off the vibes of a good leader, remaining cal and collected even when the situation is serious; he doesn’t shout at Hibbert, just quietly speaks to him.
Sherriff shows Hibbert is losing control; during the conversation with Stanhope: “(fiercely) what the hell-” Someone whom is in control of themselves wouldn’t speak in such a manner i.e. fiercely isn’t a calm adverb. In comparison, Stanhope keeps a calm demeanour. ‘He goes excitedly into the dug-out. Stanhope walks slowly towards the steps…” Whilst Hibbert is flustered, Stanhope remains cool and collected; slowly is a lot more relaxed than excitedly.
Stanhope has a sudden mood shift. This shown by: “God!-you little swine. You know what that means-don’t you? Striking a superior officer!” Stanhope has gone from calm and collected to menacing and threatening; the word swine is an insult and insults are generally used when one is angry, therefore Stanhope has finally lost his cool with Hibbert. Hibbert is having an internal struggle as well as the physical one he is having with Stanhope. The stage direction: ‘…Hibbert stands quivering in front of Stanhope.’ After Hibbert's desperation (striking Stanhope with a stick because he won’t let him leave) he starts trembling at the consequences of his act; his judgement was clouded by his desire to escape. The countdown is one of the most dramatic sections of the whole play; thick with tension. The audience doesn’t know whether or not he is going to shoot as he can be very unpredictable at times; the fact he ignores Hibbert’s rants during the countdown suggest no sympathy. At this time the tension is high as Hibbert is ready to die and Stanhope shows no emotion; Stanhope seems to be brutally cruel.
When Hibbert admits the truth, Stanhope is sympathetic: “I’ve tried like hell-I swear I have…]. Stanhope sits down beside Hibbert and puts an arm round his shoulder] I know what you feel Hibbert. I’ve known all along] How can you know?] Because I feel the same-exactly the same! ” The physical gesture of putting an arm round his shoulder shows welcoming, kindness, friendliness etc. He also sympathises with Hibbert by saying he feels the exact same way; he demonstrates camaraderie by opening up to Hibbert and by telling him his true feelings; characteristics of a good leader, connection with the troops, a sympathetic ear and camaraderie.
In conclusion, Stanhope is a good leader. Although he has a temper, can be petty at times and is a bad drunk; he always remains loyal to his troops even to the bitter end; he often puts his men before himself, a valiant display of camaraderie.
