An exploration of the changing relationship between Stanhope and Raleigh and how it develops through Journeys End

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An exploration of the changing relationship between Stanhope and Raleigh and how it develops through “Journey’s End”

R.C Sherriff, a famous play writer born in 1896, lived during the outbreak of the First World War, joining the army and serving as captain in the east surrey regiment. It was this experience during his lifetime that enabled him to produce works such as “Journeys End”, which was first performed for the first time in 1928, featuring famous actor Laurence Olivier as Stanhope. Sherriff was also renown for writing the screen plays “The Dam Busters” (1955) and “No Highway” (1950), to this day proving extremely successful. "Journey's End" is situated in a British dug out on the 18th March 1918. The dug out, being the only set through out the play, provides the claustrophobic and confined setting the soldiers experienced, but also helps in demonstrating the quick pace of the play. The script is orientated around main characters Stanhope and Raleigh, where the two friends from school are reunited. However, Stanhope shows little welcome, immediately starting tension within the scene. Nether the less, Raleigh, being younger and inexperienced with the war appears naïve and oblivious to Stanhope’s cold hearted greeting. Raleigh idolises Stanhope, looking up to him as a hero figure, yet Stanhope, who is become more heavily dependant on alcohol suspects Raleigh is aware of his drinking habit. Raleigh’s sister is currently engaged with Stanhope, and it is this reason that leads him to believe Raleigh is informing her of Stanhope’s change as the nerves and alcohol take control of him.

Stanhope is first greeted by Raleigh in Act I when Raleigh enters the dug out. Stanhope, who was not informed before hand who the officer would be ‘stares at Raleigh as if dazed’. This stage direction alone immediately gives the audience the impression Stanhope is not expecting Raleigh’s presence , but it also becomes clear Stanhope doesn’t want Raleigh’s presence either with “How did you – get here?”. Stanhope’s question comes across as more of an interrogation, and it becomes evident Stanhope wishes to have no relationship with Raleigh, as the tension continues to increase. The effect this has on Raleigh is demonstrated when he responds to “Oh. I see. Rather a coincidence” with a nervous laugh, as if Raleigh doesn’t know what to expect next. It’s also obvious that Stanhope’s quick, short sentences are intended to be ironic. However, the short sentences could also be a sign of his suppressed anger towards Raleigh, as if Stanhope believes Raleigh will ‘report’ to his sister should he reveal his attitude concerning Raleigh. The cold hearted attitude continues through out Act I and the lack of conversation between them shows the relationship has diminished.

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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 ...

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