The Enduring Friendship of Stanhope and Osborne in Journey’s End
The Centrality of Moral Values in Journey’s End
In R. C. Sherriff’s play, Journey’s End, in addition to depicting the horrors of the First World War, the author’s main purpose is to let the audience reflect on how important moral values are in life. In particular, Sherriff highlights the value of friendship, which is portrayed vividly through the relationship between Captain Stanhope and Lieutenant Osborne. The bond between the two men is presented through a series of key scenes that play an extraordinary role in the drama.
Stanhope’s Struggles and Osborne’s Loyalty
From the start, the audience understands the strength of the relationship between Osborne and Stanhope. Stanhope is the infantry captain: despite his young age, he proves himself to be a fine leader of men, able to command his company and hold a very responsible position during the conflict. However, his character is not as perfect as the audience might expect, due to the impact of war, which has brought him severe drinking issues. In order to cope with the horrors of the conflict, Stanhope turns to alcoholism, as, once on the front, whiskey seems to be the only means able to let him escape from reality.
Precisely for this reason, Osborne cares deeply about him, aware of the problems Stanhope has to deal with at his young age. Regarding their friendship and Stanhope’s struggles, Act 1 Scene 1 provides a clear example:
- When Hardy gossips negatively about Stanhope and alludes to his figure through the phrase “drinking like a fish,” Osborne immediately foregrounds his loyalty.
- Osborne protects Stanhope by taking his side.
- Osborne continues supporting Stanhope by offering advice and diversion as a relief.
The Father Figure: Stanhope’s Gratitude for ‘Uncle’
Stanhope is deeply grateful to Osborne and considers him a point of reference. Since the beginning, the author presents Osborne as a kind and supportive man; he looks after his fellows and is concerned about their physical and psychological state, which is severely tested during life in the trenches.
Moreover, he is the oldest soldier and, consequently, the wisest among all, having previously been a schoolmaster. Indeed, he gives good and useful advice to Stanhope, who always asks for his opinion. Furthermore, Osborne is likable and respected by Stanhope: the captain calls him “Uncle” because he is like a father figure to him. To summarize, they are attached to one another; there is a sort of familiar relationship between the two of them, and the affection they feel for each other goes beyond military duty or work.
The Impact of Loss: Osborne’s Death Scene
The most astonishing episode concerning their friendship is Osborne’s death scene, which is a clear instance of how the loss of a dear friend can change someone’s mood and attitude. Due to his best friend’s death, Stanhope becomes a changed person. As soon as he gets back to the dugout and sees Raleigh still alive, Stanhope gets furious with him and starts coping with mourning in a strange way, unable to believe what previously happened.
Exploring his grief, Osborne’s decease leads Stanhope to deal with the hard blow in a seemingly careless way, choosing to drown his emotions instead of facing them. However, when Raleigh refuses to take part in the party and blames Stanhope for his unbothered behavior, the leader feels guilty for not recalling Osborne’s memory in a more appropriate manner.
An Enduring Bond
In conclusion, Stanhope and Osborne share a profound friendship that endures even after death, overcoming space and time. As a pair of friends, their souls are linked to each other, as what they have gone through together is endless and unbelievable.