The audience is first introduced to the possibility of Stanhope being a hero when we first meet Raleigh. A keen and un-experienced officer, Raleigh forces himself into Stanhope’s battalion. Stanhope was Raleigh’s hero ever since high school, and when he joins the company he expects to some extent that Stanhope would be the same. “You know, Raleigh, you mustn’t expect to find him – quite the same,” Osborne tells Raleigh that Stanhope isn’t the same now. Even though there are some conflicts between Raleigh and Stanhope through out the play, the audience don’t see Raleigh changing his mind about Stanhope being a hero. One of the most memorable dramatic events between Raleigh and Stanhope is the scene where Stanhope forces Raleigh to give him his letter. “D’you understand an order? Give me that letter!” Stanhope becomes furious at Raleigh and demands to see letter. Even after this argument audience don’t really see a change in Raleigh’s opinion about Stanhope being his hero. R.C Sherriff also cleverly manipulates the character. We are confused about the relationship between Raleigh and Stanhope, until the end of the play. The audience are made to think that Stanhope doesn’t really care about Raleigh, but right at the end of the play there is a twist. Stanhope’s true feelings are shown towards Raleigh, when he is dying, and the audience are made aware of the fact that Raleigh was correct in thinking of Stanhope as his hero!
Also the name “Stanhope” could be symbolic of the fact that Stanhope is the hero, since he gives “hope” to his company and to all the men. The soldiers are influenced by him and the audience come to see Stanhope as a very fine and hard working commander of the company. Not only does Raleigh think of Stanhope as a hero but some of his men might also see Stanhope as a hero in their eyes.
Stanhope is also correctly named the hero since he interacts with every character in the play in a different and unusual way. Stanhope has the power of influencing characters and this is one of his many personalities which make him the hero. One memorable part is when Stanhope uses reverse psychology on Hibbert. Hibbert tries his best to do anything to get out of the front line and avoid the big attack. Stanhope carefully uses Reverse psychology on him to persuade Hibbert to stay. “I know what you feel, Hibbert. I’ve known all along –”, Stanhope portrays to Hibbert that he can empathise with him and cleverly persuades Hibbert. These are the kind of things that earn Stanhope respect and the status of being a hero.
Also throughout the whole play general things that Stanhope does and what we learn about him from other characters also show us that he is the hero. Stanhope is determined and knows his company very well. He works very hard, but the concept of alcohol that has been incorporated into his life in the war, manipulate the reader and sometimes do confuse that audience, if Stanhope is a good character or bad one. Overall Stanhope’s good side is stronger. Many of his bad actions can be justified by his drinking habit. In my opinion Stanhope deserves the title of being a Hero.
