Journey's End: Themes

Key themes

1. The Horrors of War
2. Class and Identity
3. Fear and Coping (Courage and Cowardice)
4. Community and Comradeship
5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.