Journey’s End Questions
Act One
Part 1 (pp. 1 – 8)
What do we learn of Osborne’s attitude towards Stanhope?
What impression do we gain of Osborne and Stanhope?
What information does Hardy pass on to Osborne about the front line and trench stores?
Part Two (pp. 9 – 17)
What does Osborne do to help Raleigh settle in?
What diversions do the men find?
Part Three (pp. 17 – 23)
How does Stanhope’s behaviour show us he is startled and unhappy to see Raleigh?
How is Trotter’s fascination with food made evident to us and what do you think is its purpose?
Part Four (pp. 23 – 31)
Do you think Stanhope is right to view Hibbert as a ‘worm’?
What do we learn about Stanhope and his relationship with Raleigh’s sister?
Act Two
Part One (pp. 32 – 6)
List as many references to quiet as you can find from this section of the play. What is their significance?
How do you think Raleigh is feeling and why?
Part Two (pp.37 – 40)
What parallels can you see between the game of rugby and war?
Why does Osborne say, ‘Tuppence to talk to me now!’ (p.38)?
Part Three (pp.40 – 5)
Find examples of humour in this part of the play.
Why do you think Stanhope and Osborne talk about worms?
Part Four (pp. 45 – 8)
Do you think Stanhope is justified in wishing to censor Raleigh’s letter?
How does Sherriff make us believe that Raleigh has written something incriminating in his letter?
Look at Stanhope’s actions on p.47. How do they suggest that he is nervous about the letter’s contents?
Part Five (pp. 48 - 53)
Who is to defend left and right flanks of the trenches?
What is the purpose of the raid?
Part Six (pp. 54 – 8)
How is tension created in this section of the play?
Part Seven (pp.59 – 65)
What preparation for the raid will be made overnight?
How does Trotter show his concern for Stanhope and why does Stanhope reject his idea?
How is Trotter’s curiosity about Hibbert made clear?
Act Three
Part Two (pp. 69 – 76)
Where does Osborne admit to Raleigh his true feelings?
Part Three (pp. 76 – 80)
What error does the colonel make when speaking German?
Part Four (pp. 80 – 8)
What are your views of Hibbert now?
How does Trotter react to Hibbert’s behaviour?
Part Five (pp. 88 – 91)
Why is Stanhope behaving so erratically?
What is the effect of Sherriff’s use of personification at the end of the scene’s stage directions?
Part Six (pp. 92 – 6)
What is the significance of Trotter’s singing?
Part Eight (pp. 98 – 103)
What is the reason for Stanhope’s placing of Raleigh on Osborne’s bed?
How does Stanhope try to comfort Raleigh?
What is the mood of the closing scene?