Plot Summary (AQA A-Level English Literature A): Revision Notes

Plot summary

Introduction to the play

Journey's End, written in 1928 by English playwright Robert Cedric Sherriff, depicts the experiences of British soldiers during the final days before Operation Michael. This was Germany's last major offensive of World War One, marking the beginning of the war's end. The play achieved remarkable success, running in London for over two years and becoming one of the most celebrated theatrical productions of the 1920s. Sherriff drew upon his own service in the British Expeditionary Force to create an authentic portrayal of trench warfare.

The drama unfolds across three acts and explores powerful themes including bravery, lost innocence, human vanity, and death. At the centre of the story is Captain Dennis Stanhope, the company commander who serves as the play's protagonist.

Act one: introduction and arrival

Opening scene and character establishment

The play begins in a dimly lit trench dugout where Captain Hardy attempts to dry a damp sock using a candle flame. He converses with Lieutenant Osborne, an experienced former schoolteacher who appears weary from years of combat. Osborne has arrived to take over command from Hardy for several days. During their exchange, Hardy reveals concerning information about Captain Stanhope, warning that the young officer has developed a drinking problem to cope with the psychological strain of warfare. Osborne springs to Stanhope's defence, insisting he remains one of their finest soldiers despite his struggles.

Raleigh's unexpected arrival

The arrival of Second Lieutenant Raleigh creates immediate tension within the company. This enthusiastic young officer specifically requested a posting near Captain Stanhope, whom he knows personally and refers to by his first name, Dennis. The connection runs deeper than friendship: Stanhope is courting Raleigh's sister, Madge. Rather than welcoming this familiar face, Stanhope reacts with anger and resentment. His hostile response stems from a genuine fear that Raleigh will observe his deteriorating condition and report it to Madge through letters home. Raleigh struggles to comprehend how three years of military service have transformed the kind, cheerful man he once knew into this troubled, volatile figure.

Growing tensions

Stanhope's paranoia about his reputation leads him to ask Osborne to censor Raleigh's correspondence for any negative comments. Osborne, whom the men affectionately call 'Uncle', firmly refuses this request. That evening, Stanhope responds by drinking heavily. Osborne compassionately helps the intoxicated captain to bed. Although everyone recognises that Stanhope desperately needs leave (like Captain Hardy has taken) to recover his mental and physical health, Stanhope stubbornly maintains that duty requires him to stay at the front line.

Act two: the reality of war

Life in the trenches

Raleigh begins to understand the harsh realities of trench existence during the second act. Time passes with agonising slowness, and the daily routine feels surreal. In conversation with Osborne, Raleigh describes the war as 'silly'. Both sides follow predictable patterns: they know when attacks will occur, and they even establish temporary truces to allow each side to collect their wounded and dead from no-man's-land.

Intelligence and preparations

Stanhope informs the company that a captured German prisoner has revealed intelligence about a significant enemy operation planned for the coming days. He orders several officers, including Trotter and Second Lieutenant Hibbert, to inspect and repair the barbed-wire defences along their position. Meanwhile, Osborne finally allows the anxious Stanhope to read Raleigh's intercepted letter to Madge. To Stanhope's surprise and relief, the letter contains only positive observations. This discovery fills Stanhope with shame about his suspicious behaviour.

The foolish plan

During discussions with the Sergeant-Major, Stanhope learns that headquarters has scheduled an attack for Thursday. However, the General has ordered a daytime assault, which strikes both men as extraordinarily foolish. Attacking in broad daylight eliminates the protective cover of darkness that typically reduces casualties. Stanhope and the Sergeant-Major privately agree that this plan appears callous and ill-conceived, possibly ordered simply to provide the General with intelligence for a comfortable dinner conversation.

The raid assignment

Osborne and Raleigh receive orders to lead a dangerous raiding party. Their mission involves capturing German soldiers who can verify the exact timing of Thursday's anticipated German offensive. The naive Raleigh feels excited about this opportunity to prove himself in combat. In stark contrast, the experienced Osborne grimly accepts that this raid will likely be his death.

Act three: tragedy and conclusion

Before the raid

The final act opens with Osborne making arrangements to send his personal belongings to his wife, recognising the danger ahead. He and Stanhope share a poignant moment reminiscing about their lives back in England. The raid proceeds, and whilst it achieves its objective of capturing a German prisoner, Osborne pays the ultimate price. Raleigh returns alive, but without his mentor and friend.

Command indifference

When senior officers question Stanhope about the raid's outcome, their callous attitude becomes apparent. They express no concern about the men who died, focusing solely on whether they obtained a prisoner for interrogation. This cruel indifference to human life highlights the dehumanising nature of the military command structure.

Stanhope's breakdown

Osborne's death triggers increasingly unstable behaviour in Stanhope. He shouts at Hibbert without clear reason and picks an argument with Raleigh about dining arrangements. Raleigh explains that he prefers eating with the regular soldiers rather than officers who drink excessively as though celebrating. Stanhope interprets this as an accusation that he isn't properly mourning Osborne's death. Enraged, he orders Raleigh to leave him alone and retreats to drink in isolation.

The final assault

The play's concluding scene depicts preparations for Germany's last major offensive as part of Operation Michael. Both the Sergeant Major and Stanhope anticipate heavy losses. Second Lieutenant Hibbert, attempting to avoid combat by faking an eye injury, is branded a coward by Stanhope and ordered to his post. The anticipated attack begins with devastating consequences.

Raleigh's death

Soon after the assault commences, Stanhope receives news that Raleigh has sustained a severe injury: his spine is broken, leaving him paralysed. Soldiers carry his body back to the dugout, where Stanhope tenderly cares for him during his final moments. When Raleigh complains of feeling cold, Stanhope leaves briefly to fetch additional blankets. Upon returning, he discovers that Raleigh has stopped breathing.

Ambiguous ending

Before Stanhope can properly grieve, he is summoned to the front line. As he exits the dugout, an explosion strikes the structure, burying Raleigh's body beneath the rubble. The play concludes without revealing whether Stanhope survives, leaving his fate deliberately uncertain and emphasising the arbitrary nature of death in warfare.

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