Journey's End: Themes (Edexcel GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes
Journey's End: Themes
Key themes
- The Horrors of War
- Class and Identity
- Fear and Coping (Courage and Cowardice)
- Community and Comradeship
- The Futility of War
1. The Horrors of War
The play emphasises the brutal reality of trench warfare, portraying it as both physically and mentally devastating. It moves away from glorified depictions of war, focusing instead on the fear, exhaustion, and trauma experienced by soldiers.
Key examples:
- Osborne's calmness about death: Before the raid, Osborne leaves his wedding ring and watch behind, symbolising his quiet acceptance of the futility of life in war.
- Stanhope's drinking: His dependency on alcohol highlights the strain and coping mechanisms required to endure war's relentless pressures.
Sherriff uses these elements to expose the dehumanising impact of war on soldiers, showing how they are forced to suppress emotions to survive.
2. Class and Identity
The play subtly examines the British class system within the ranks of the army. The war brings men of different social backgrounds together, but their class distinctions often remain evident.
Key examples:
- Trotter's working-class background: His straightforward humour and focus on food contrast with the more educated conversations of officers like Osborne and Raleigh.
- Stanhope's command of respect: Despite his young age, Stanhope earns respect due to his leadership and military experience, showing the importance of merit over class in wartime.
Sherriff critiques the rigidity of the British class system while showing how war creates both divisions and unities among soldiers.
3. Fear and Coping (Courage and Cowardice)
Fear is a constant undercurrent in the play, and each character copes with it differently, whether through humour, duty, or avoidance.
Key examples:
- Stanhope's outburst over Raleigh's letter: This reveals his fear of vulnerability and the pressure to maintain his image as a hero.
- Hibbert's feigned illness: His attempt to escape the front line illustrates the stigma surrounding fear and cowardice in the trenches.
Through these portrayals, Sherriff explores the complex relationship between bravery and fear, showing that courage often involves overcoming internal struggles.
4. Community and Comradeship
The soldiers form a strong sense of camaraderie, relying on each other to cope with the isolation and fear of trench life.
Key examples:
- Osborne's role as "Uncle": His supportive nature creates a stabilising influence for the other officers, particularly Stanhope.
- The shared humour: Jokes about trivial matters like Mason's cooking reflect the soldiers' need to distract themselves and maintain morale.
Sherriff uses the theme of comradeship to show how human connection can provide solace even in the bleakest circumstances.
5. The Futility of War
The play questions the purpose and impact of war, highlighting the waste of young lives and the absurdity of military strategies.
Key examples:
- Osborne's death during the raid: His sacrifice achieves little strategic value, underlining the senseless loss of life.
- The Colonel's priorities: His concern with maintaining appearances rather than the well-being of his men reflects the detached attitudes of higher command.
Sherriff critiques the futility of war, showing it as a conflict where bravery and sacrifice often lead to meaningless deaths.