Journey's End: Writer's Methods & Techniques

Key Methods and Techniques used in Journey's End

Foreshadowing

Sherriff foreshadows key moments in the play to build tension. For example:

• Stanhope's reference to Osborne as "the one man I could trust" heightens the emotional impact of his death.
• The discussion of Raleigh's enthusiasm hints at his eventual disillusionment, reflecting the broader tragedy of young soldiers' experiences in the war.

Themes Through Subtext

Sherriff often conveys the themes of the play indirectly:

• The futility of war is implied through the men's repetitive routines and the lack of visible progress or victories.
• The fear of death is shown through Hibbert's attempts to escape and Stanhope's reliance on whisky, rather than being openly discussed. This subtlety makes the emotional depth of the play more poignant.

Realism

R.C. Sherriff uses realism to portray the true nature of war, based on his personal experiences in World War I. The play's detailed and authentic setting—complete with a claustrophobic dugout, dim lighting, and muddy trenches—brings the audience into the grim reality of trench warfare. The soldiers' casual conversations about everyday things like food contrast sharply with the looming threat of death, making the horrors of war even more impactful.

Characterisation

Each character in Journey's End represents a different perspective on war:

• Stanhope symbolises the psychological toll of leadership.
• Osborne is a model of kindness and stability.
• Hibbert portrays fear and avoidance.
• Raleigh represents youthful enthusiasm and the loss of innocence. Sherriff uses this variety to explore how war affects individuals differently, making the characters relatable and complex.

Symbolism

Objects in the play hold symbolic meaning:

• Whisky represents Stanhope's way of coping with his fears and responsibilities.
• Osborne's watch and ring symbolise his life and family outside the war, highlighting the personal sacrifices soldiers made.
• The collapsing trench at the end symbolises the destruction of both the men and the fragile hopes they held onto.

Tension and Pacing

The play's structure mirrors the rhythms of war: long stretches of anticipation are interrupted by sudden moments of violence or chaos. For example, the quiet conversations between characters heighten the tension before the raid. This pacing creates a sense of dread and reflects the psychological strain of waiting for inevitable danger.

Contrast

Sherriff uses contrast to emphasise the emotional impact of war:

• Moments of light-hearted banter between the soldiers are juxtaposed with tragic events, such as Osborne's death.
• Trotter's cheerful, practical nature contrasts with Stanhope's intense, fragile state, showing different ways of coping with stress.

Dialogue

The dialogue in Journey's End is naturalistic and reflects the speech patterns of the time. The casual tone of conversations about mundane topics, like food and weather, contrasts with the underlying fear and trauma of the characters, making their struggles feel more real and relatable.