Journey's End: Plot Summary (Edexcel GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

Journey's End: Plot Summary

Journey's End, by R.C. Sherriff, is set in a World War I trench and follows the lives of British soldiers over four days leading to a major German attack. The play opens with Captain Hardy handing over to Osborne, a kind and reliable officer. Captain Stanhope, the company leader, is brave but struggles with the emotional weight of war, drinking heavily to cope.

Second Lieutenant Raleigh, a young and eager officer, joins the company. He idolises Stanhope, who is his sister's fiancé. Stanhope, however, fears Raleigh will see how much the war has changed him and report back to his sister.

Tensions rise as the soldiers prepare for a dangerous raid. Osborne, a key figure of stability and kindness, is tragically killed, leaving the company shaken. Raleigh's initial enthusiasm is replaced by the harsh reality of war. The play ends with Raleigh fatally wounded during a German attack, dying in Stanhope's care as the trench collapses around them, symbolising the destruction of war and humanity.