Stanhope is a character in whom there is much to admire, but an equal amount to condemn. Discuss

Authors Avatar

Stanhope is a character in whom there is much to admire,                                                                                         but an equal amount to condemn

R.C sheriff effectively introduces Stanhope using the Hardy, Osbourne dialogue. This dialogue not only establishes that a major enemy offensive is imminent but also serves as a base point for Sheriff in developing Stanhope’s character. The character of Stanhope is discussed, references made to his capacity of heavy drinking but also his line record as a company commander. Stanhope is not introduced personally but rather by an incompetent coworker who seems to touch upon the darkness of Stanhope’s personality. The contrast between Hardy’s and Osborn’s thoughts of Stanhope as a company leader dramatically increases the suspense before the main character is eventually introduced to the readers.

The Osbourne, Raleigh dialogue portrays further information on the character of Stanhope. It is established that at school Stanhope was a severe disciplinarian, being particularly hard on younger boys who smoked cigarettes and drunk whisky.

Join now!

The introduction of Stanhope and the officer’s first meal together serves to establish various details about Stanhope’s physical appearance and a number of contrasts are suggested: he is strong and broad shouldered but ‘no more than a boy’; He is good looking but ‘dark shadows can be licensed under his eyes’. His mood is significant and illustrates at once the dichotomy conveyed in the Hardy-Osborne dialogue because he criticizes the untidy and slack regime of hardy whilst calling for a bottle of whisky. In this he is typically forthright, ‘dam the soup! Bring me some whisky!’

At the end of ...

This is a preview of the whole essay