The relationship deteriorates further in Act II, scene 1, on the subject of censorship. Stanhope, who is once again reliant on his whisky, questions Osborne on what Raleigh is up to. When Stanhope is informed that he is writing a letter, his attitude alters from a fairly cheery mood to one determined to censor the letter, in order to read it. Upon Raleigh’s entrance, dramatic tension is created when Stanhope quietly says “You leave it open” as Raleigh starts to seal his letter. Stanhope’s soft choice of words surprises not only Raleigh but also the audience, as it suggests there will be greater tension to come. The relationship further worsens when Raleigh’s unintentional defiance occurs with Stanhope saying “Give me that letter!”. Raleigh’s refusal to give the letter continues to anger Stanhope until unexpectedly, ‘Stanhope clutches Raleigh’s wrist and tears the letter from his hand’. By doing so, Raleigh is almost stunned and addresses Stanhope by his first name. This could be done with the intention of reminding Stanhope that they were once school friends, and by using his first name it reminds the audience of what there relation was, and what it has now become. Sherriff may have also used the tearing of the letter as a metaphoric symbol to the break up of their friendship. A poignant climax is then seen on the last page of Act II scene 1, when Stanhope discovers Raleigh only wished to praise him. As the letter is read out by Osborne, the audience can visualise the change in Stanhope’s attitude, from anger and resentment to guilt and regret. The stage direction ‘Stanhope sits with a lowered head’ sums up Stanhope’s feelings with the idea of him being ashamed, and it is the first time within the play that we see another side to Stanhope. Sherriff concludes the scene with the final line ‘The sun is shining quite brightly in the trench outside’ which may be suggesting a positive change in their relationship.
The suggestion of a positive change in relationship is continued in Act II Scene 2, when the Colonel arrives in the dug out to explain to Stanhope about the day light raid. The plan to send ten men to capture a German for interrogation required two officers, one of whish was Osborne. However, when the two were struggling to choose a second officer, the Colonel suggested Raleigh. Stanhope, aware of the slaughter the men will inevitably face says “He’s awfully new to it all” which suggests he is trying to defend Raleigh from going, and to perhaps find an alternative officer to send. By doing so, the audience are made aware of the other side to Stanhope, and that the relationship between him and Raleigh is not all lost. He continues his defence for Raleigh, mentioning “It’s rotten to send a fellow who’s only just arrived” in the hope of the Colonel changing his decision.
During the raid, Osborne dies, which becomes a devastating blow to everyone in the dug out. Sherriff depicts the futility and pointlessness of the war, portraying it through the death of Osborne and character Stanhope, who is hardest hit. It is during the special meal with champagne and chicken in Act III Scene 2 that tension is once again raised. The men in the dug out, who by now are heavily drunk bring up the subject of Raleigh, who isn’t attending the meal. Stanhope, who discovers Raleigh is eating with the soldiers in the trenches questions “He actually told you he preferred being up with the men better than being down here?” which seems to amplify Stanhope’s disbelief. The theme of social status is also explored in "Journey's End", and Raleigh’s disobedience to a senior officer seems to enrage Stanhope further. Later in the scene, when Raleigh arrives, Stanhope immediately begins questioning Raleigh, almost daring Raleigh to be defiant. Raleigh’s responses are hesitant, and when questioned “What did you tell Hibbert?”, he replies “Hibbert? I – I didn’t say-” showing he is ‘trying to understand why Stanhope’s temper has risen to a trembling fury. Stanhope, who is now under influence of alcohol and the loss of Osborne, dismisses Raleigh with the stage direction ‘turns wildly upon Raleigh’ followed by “Oh get out! For God’s sake, get out!”, proving the relationship between them has disappeared almost completely.
It is in the final scene in Act III, where the relationship between Stanhope and Raleigh changes once more. When the German attack finally happens, Raleigh makes his way to the trenches with the warm goodbye “Cheero, Raleigh. I shall be coming up soon” from Stanhope, which suggests he is offering him with reassurance. However, several minutes after, Raleigh is hit by shrapnel from a shell, breaking his spine. It is then that we see true concern from Stanhope towards Raleigh when he shouts “Yes! Down here – quickly!” after the sergeant majors question “Down ‘ere, sir?”. Stanhope also expresses his worry for Raleigh when he demands two men with a stretcher to take him to hospital, when he may already be aware the chances of survival look bleak for Raleigh. In the short conversation between the two characters, Stanhope assists Raleigh in any way possible, renewing their friendship and making their relationship strongest at the very end. By doing so, Sherriff creates an emotional climax when Stanhope leaves the dug out, which shortly after collapses upon Raleigh.
In conclusion, the relationship between Stanhope and Raleigh changed continuously through out the play. It was evident that Stanhope’s anger was fuelled considerably with his drinking, and with the futility of war taking its toll. Raleigh’s naivety also proved an annoyance for Stanhope, yet even when the characters relationship was at its weakest, Raleigh’s idolism of Stanhope remained and Stanhope’s school time memories and friendship returned at the very end.