In this essay, I will be analysing the characteristics of Captain Dennis Stanhope from the play “Journey’s End”, by R C Sherriff

Captain Dennis Stanhope was the commanding officer of Company ‘C’ in the army. From an English public school, where he played Cricket and “Rugger” (Rugby), Stanhope had become an inspiration to his men at the front. His drinking obsession was a direct consequence of the stress involved from the pressure of being a commanding officer on the front line. Described as a tall, thin, broad shouldered, 21-year-old commander, his appearances are affected by a three year service under the French; his previously tanned face becomes pale and appears tired and drawn.

The first scene of Journey’s End deliberately excludes the direct introduction of Stanhope, himself, so as to allow the other characters to build up his status as the leader of his the men in his platoon. The characters Hardy and Osborne are seen having a conversation in which they describe his guilty pleasure as “Drinking like a fish” (page 4). However, out of loyalty and respect for Stanhope, Osborne responds to Hardy’s comment by staying that “he’s a long way the best commander we’ve got. “(Page 4)

We swiftly gain the impression that Stanhope, despite his tender age, is equally devoted as he is a strong character in this play, who is dedicated to his duty, as is portrayed via Hardy and Osborne’s statements that were in support of Stanhope: “he didn’t go home in his last leave, did he? ” “Other men come over here and go home again ill, and young Stanhope goes on sticking it, month in, month out”. Following the introduction of the character Raleigh, who helps to perpetuate the audience’s respect for Stanhope’s character, Raleigh accounts his past with Stanhope “Dennis”.

Together, they were educated in the same school and even though they were not in the same year, they had a special bond as friends. When Stanhope finally appears on stage, the audience realises that, although they were previously good friends, the addition of Raleigh to his company, presents an unnecessary complication to an already strained situation, as his new relationship with Raleigh might cause him some embarrassment.

As the commander of his company, he is shown great esteem by his men and is regarded as a hero “Hero worships” (p 28). R. C. Sherriff gives the audience a small glimpse of how his reputation as a dipsomaniac affects his prestigious position. Even though he is idolised, he is concurrently criticised for his habit by Osborne, “When a boy like Stanhope gets a reputation out here for drinking, he turns into a freak show exhibit. ” Yet they justify his drinking as it helps calm his nerves when at the front.

Sherriff constantly reminds us of class differentials between Stanhope and some of his men, as Stanhope’s language and articulation contrast the dialect of spoken language of those who are beneath him, particularly in the case of Trotter. “Stanhope: It’s five to eight now. You better go and relieve Hibbert. Then you can come back at eleven o’clock and black in three of your bloody little circles.

Trotter: I ‘aven’t ‘ad my apricots yet! ” (Page 22) Again, through the judgements of the other characters, R. C. Sherriff allows us to realise that Stanhope is exceedingly depressed with life at the front and his nerves have been exhausted over the last three years. /having only been 18 years old when he joined, he had become the commander, and even though his ‘worshippers’ saw him as fearless, Stanhope reassured Hibbert that he too is petrified by the horrors of war, but has hope as he thinks of life after the war is over, “Because I feel the same – exactly the same! Every little noise up there makes me feel – just as you feel.

Why didn’t you tell instead of talking about Neuralgia? We all feel like you do sometimes, if you only knew. I hate and loathe it… ” – Stanhope. (Page 57) On the other hand, he frantically tries to hide his emotions that show tension and pain by drinking heavily and wallowing in self-pity. He feels that it is his responsibility to make to make sure that he hides his true emotional character from his men, as they look up to him, and that they would be led to believe that have no hope if their own commander, leader and idol doesn’t.

However, he is unable to control his sorrow towards the end of this saga, when he loses Osborne in an encounter with the Germans, “Oh for God’s sake forget that bloody raid! Think I want to talk about it! ” – Stanhope. (Page 85) R. C. Sherriff depicts Stanhope in many scenarios, presenting different thought processes and opinions. At first he draws a picture of Stanhope being a drunkard, “Drinking like a fish”. (Page 4) However, Robert Sherriff contradicts this by proving that he is someone who clearly commands loyalty, “Do you know how long he’s been out here? … Nearly three years.

He came out straight from school – when he was eighteen. He’s commanded this company for a year – in and out of the front line. ” Osborne (Page 5, 6). The audience grows some sympathy for Stanhope when Sherriff introduces Stanhope’s feelings towards Raleigh’s sister, Madge, “At first I thought of her as another kid like Raleigh. It was just before I came out here for the first time that I realised what a topping girl she was”. – Stanhope (Page 29). Although he is earnestly respected by the other characters, he is still perceived as a problem drinker.

He is seen as an experienced, dutiful, strict, strained and hardened icon, and too many, not short of a hero. To both Osborne and Raleigh, he is a close friend, who they consistently back up, “His experience alone makes him worth a dozen people like me. ” Osborne (Page 6), “I’m awfully proud to think he is my friend. ” Raleigh (Page 48). As the commander, his job is to issue and follow orders. At times his actions are ruthless and questionable; nevertheless he merely does what he is told. This would make us regard him as robotic in the sense that he follows orders, but his emotions beg to differ.

For example: “My God! You bloody little swine – you think you’re the only soul who cares! … The one man I could trust – my best friend – the one man I could talk to as man to man – and you think I don’t care”. Stanhope (Page 91), this proves that he is human and is affected by the war. His men are inadvertently looking up to an emotionally weak yet patriotic commander who takes responsibility for the welfare of his platoon. His struggle to conceal his dejection captivates the audience, restoring him as a hero.