R.C Sherriff's "Journey's End" - Act 2 Quiz

Answer: To lighten the mood after the sad ending in Act 1

It's important for the audience to be amused during the play as it gets them more involved with the characters; it is also important for them not to be bored or depressed during the play! Mason's meals are very questionable, as the porridge lumps from breakfast are saved for the next time they have boiled beef, to be used as dumplings.

Answer: False

We know that Trotter is a patriot because of the flowers he grows in his garden. He says "I 'ad a decent little grass plot in front, with flower-borders - geraniums, lobelia, and calceolaria - you know, red, white and blue." The conversation about the garden is something to fill the silences in the trenches and to prevent boredom.

Answer: Phosgene

The gas phosgene liquefies your lungs and so Trotter and his fellows immediately put on their gas masks when they smelt "that funny sweet smell" which should be familiar to them.

Answer: Thursday morning

Stanhope informs Osborne of this on page 41 after he's had a talk with the colonel. The battle will happen at "dawn the day after tomorrow" and they "shall be in the front row of the stalls". This metaphor shows that Stanhope always has to be the iconic leader and hero.

Answer: Stanhope

Stanhope says that he will draw a picture of Trotter being "blown up into four pieces" at the time of the battle. This shows that Stanhope is dark and bitter and has a sick sense of humour, but also shows that Stanhope is still childish and scared.

Answer: To protect his children and the next generation

At forty-five, Osborne didn't have to join the army but wanted to anyway as he has young children whom he didn't want fighting too.

Answer: Stanhope wanting to censor Raleigh's letter

Stanhope doesn't want Raleigh to inform Madge (Raleigh's sister) about his drinking and how he has changed since he left home. However, when Stanhope "clutches Raleigh's wrist and tears the letter from his hand" and gets Osborne to read it for him, it is seen that Raleigh is actually too complimentary about Stanhope.

He writes that "Dennis is the finest officer in the battalion, and the men simply love him", showing that Raleigh still loves and admires Stanhope enough to protect him.

Answer: True

That is the official purpose of the raid, as the general wants to know who's come into the line opposite. It is decided that Osborne and Raleigh are to perform the raid - Osborne because he is very "level-headed" and Raleigh because "his nerves are sound".

Answer: True

The colonel says, "Well, who else is there? I could send an officer from another company-" but Stanhope interrupts and says "(quickly) Oh, Lord, no. We'll do it." This shows that Stanhope wants the glory of success, wants to be a leader and doesn't want his authority or masculinity questioned.

Answer: Neuralgia

Earlier in the play, Stanhope says that neuralgia is a "splendid idea" because there is no proof, but Hibbert continues to complain of it until he "can't stick it any longer" and attempts to leave. Stanhope, seeing this coming, saw the doctor before this argument and insists that Hibbert stay.

Answer: His girlfriend won't approve

Stanhope says "You may be wounded. Then you can go home and feel proud" and goes on to remind Hibbert: "you're still alive - with a straight fighting chance of coming through". He also challenges his masculinity by saying "It's the only decent thing a man can do." It is unknown whether Hibbert has a girlfriend - I doubt that he would!

Answer: Onion

Mason informs Stanhope that it is only "oniony" because of the saucepan! This short conversation is used for comic relief, as the audience just endured a very powerful fight between Stanhope and Hibbert.

Answer: Two officers and ten men

Stanhope tells Osborne this on page 59. He says that it will take place "Tomorrow afternoon. Under a smoke screen" and that it would be "A little before dusk." These details are mentioned precisely as to highlight the fact that soldiers in WW1 spend most of their time waiting and counting down the hours to their deaths.

Answer: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

Trotter is scornful when Osborne tells him that the is reading it, and declares it a "kid's book". This book is actually a fantastic metaphor - as the craziness of Alice's Wonderland is just like the craziness of the war.

Answer: Excited

Raleigh declares: "I say - it's most frightfully exciting!" This shows his naivety, as he should be fearing for his and the other men's lives, not feeling proud that he and Osborne were chosen "specially". With this information, the curtain falls and the audience are left to ponder the outcomes.