A Sense of Pathos in Journeys End :: R.C. Sheriff Journeys End Literature Essays

A Sense of Pathos in Journey's End How Does Sherriff Create a Sense of Pathos in Act Three Scene Three of the Play? Act Three Scene Three in the play is ultimately the point in which all of the dramatic tension comes to a tragic climax. This sense of pathos is achieved by a number of different factors. The first is that the scene begins with an emotive description of the atmosphere, describing the ‘intense darkness of the dugout is softened by the glow of the Very lights’ and the ‘distant mutter of the guns’. There is also a frequent reference to the cold, which helps to reflect the bitterness of war. The men in the dugout are clearly trying to keep things normal in order to try and suppress their fears about the approaching German attack, for example Trotter sings to himself and Mason fusses about tea and drinks. However it is also clear that there is an underlying tension in the unnerving stillness of the atmosphere at this moment in the play. The men coping with their fears through trivial matters are contrasted with Hibbert, whose fears are not so well concealed. It is at this point that Stanhope’s caring personality and good leadership skills are visible, when he gets water for Hibbert and sends Mason up to keep him company. The more we empathise with Stanhope, the greater the tragedy when he is killed. We also see that the attack is steadily building as the noises of the shells and minenwerfers increase, and the demand for stretcher-bearers becomes more frequent as soldiers are being injured. This relentlessness of the battle portrays how merciless and horrific life on the front line was. When Raleigh is hit, the first thing we learn is that it has broken his spine and so understand that his condition is most likely fatal. Stanhope then commands that he is brought down into the dugout, which was unusual for a soldier to be treated in this way. A great sense of pathos is created in the conversation that takes place between Raleigh and Stanhope. The first way in which this is achieved is by the way in which the address each other, through use of their first names as opposed to Raleigh and Stanhope. This indicates a revert back to the memories of when they were best friends in school and shows Stanhope’s compassionate nature. We also greatly admire Raleigh because he still feels compelled to fulfil his duty, despite being critically injured. As with Stanhope, this sympathy felt by the viewer helps to intensify the tragedy of his death. There is a sense of irony in the fact that Stanhope lays Raleigh down