Journey's End Themes quotations

Sense of fear displayed by Raleigh, remarking that war is different from the propaganda shown that states war is a fun, exciting, battle.

“It seems – uncanny. It makes me feel we’re – we’re all just waiting for something.” (Act 1 – Raleigh to Osborne).

Stanhope’s opinion to Osborne on Hibbert

“Another little worm trying to wriggle home … Artful little swine! Neuralgia’s a splendid idea.” (Act 1 Stanhope to Osborne about Hibbert)

Stanhope admitting his weakness (of drinking) to Osborne, explaining why he doesn’t deserve to be with Marge.

“If I went up those steps into the front line – without being doped up with whiskey – I’d go mad with fright.” (Act 1 - Stanhope to Osborne)

Hibbert's reaction after Stanhope became empathetic to him, calling him an ‘old chap’. Cowardice?

Hibbert stands trembling, trying to speak. Suddenly he breaks down and cries. (Act2,Sc2 stage directions)

Stanhope using guilt to try and convince Hibbert to stay in the trenches.

“If you went – and left Osborne and Trotter and Raleigh and all those men up there to do your work – could you ever look a man straight in the face again – in all your life?” (Act 2,Sc2 – Stanhope to Hibbert)

Stanhope explaining (with his trademark fiery temper) to Raleigh why he needs to drink whisky.

“To forget, you little fool – to forget! … You think there’s no limit to what a man can bear?” (Act3, Sc2 - Stanhope to Raleigh)

Stanhope explaining to Osborne of why he drinks so much.

“I knew I’d go mad if I didn’t break the strain. I couldn’t bear being fully conscious all the time – you’ve felt that, Uncle, haven’t you?” (A1 – Stanhope to Osborne)

Stanhope demonstrating (while drunk (like always)) that he needs comfort, and a father figure. Shows emotional dependency and trust in Osborne.

“Dear old Uncle. Tuck me up.” (A1 – Stanhope to Osborne)

Stanhope admitting to Osborne of his dependance on him

“You’re coming back, old man. Damn it! what on earth should I do without you?” (Act3, Sc1 – Stanhope to Osborne)

Stanhope (again angrily) telling Raleigh that he does care about Osborne’s death.

“The one man I could trust – my best friend – the one man I could talk to as man to man – who understood everything – and you don’t think I care –”