Key Quotes

Question 1

There isn’t a man to touch him as a commander of men.

Answer 1

Osborne about Stanhope. Not embarrassed to show how he feels and sets up high expectations before we meet Stanhope.

Question 2

This nasty war… It – it tells on a man – rather badly.

Answer 2

An understatement. Osborne is hinting to Raleigh that it destroys people.

Question 3

That Stanhope is so fussy about the trenches.

Answer 3

Our first impression when Hardy says this is that Stanhope is a bad leader who cares about things that don’t matter. Actually, he’s very caring and Hardy is later killed because of a disorganised trench.

Question 4

Think of it all as – as romantic. It helps.

Answer 4

Osborne is encouraging Raleigh to embrace the fantasy version of war you might find in a book

Question 5

How frightfully quiet it is!

Answer 5

Raleigh expected the war to be exciting. Instead, it is painfully boring.

Question 6

I feel the same… Mad with fright… Shall we go on together?

Answer 6

Stanhope admits to Hibbert that he is scared too. This is brave of him and shows he’s not ashamed to lower himself/ join with the other men.

Question 7

I love that fellow. I’d go to hell with him.

Answer 7

Osbrone and the other men usually hide their emotions. This early remark shows Osborne’s special bond with Stanhope. In a sense, he IS in hell with him.

Question 8

Drinking… laughing… they sat close

Answer 8

These stage directions show us how war has united people from such different backgrounds and personalities. It could also signal that they are supporting each other through Osborne’s death with this sort of show.

Question 9

War’s bad enough with pepper…but war without pepper – it’s bloody awful!

Answer 9

Dark humour. Reminds the audience that they don’t have even basic luxuries.

Question 10

Don’t forget about the big attack, uncle.

Answer 10

The other men tease Osborne childishly to cover up their fear

Question 11

The news can wait, will you have a drink Colonel?

Answer 11

Stanhope shows that he is a decent person or is perhaps delaying the inevitable. Drink is his weapon against fate.

Question 12

He looked splendid! It – sort of – made me feel – like I should join up.

Answer 12

We realize with tragic irony that Raleigh only came out here to fight so he can be more like Stanhope, but the Stanhope he knew is no more. Stanhope probably feels very guilty about this.

Question 13

I’d rather sleep by the table here. I can get up and work without disturbing you and the men.

Answer 13

Deep down Stanhope cares about the men. He is being almost paternal here.

Question 14

Another little worm trying to wriggle home.

Answer 14

The thing Stanhope values most is that his men are all united. He is extremely angry at Hibbert for trying to get sent home. Makes him seem uncaring.

Question 15

That’s why we’re here… to show we’re men.

Answer 15

War for Trotter is about proving himself. Doubly so because he’s working class. This is ironic and almost funny since we know he actually believes the war is meaningless.

Question 16

At the end of the 45th circle I’m going to draw a picture of Trotter being blown up

Answer 16

Stanhope’s humour is very dark and aggressive - In a way the men are not scared of death - predicts the future

Question 17

He makes things feel natural

Answer 17

Trotter. He helps to connect the men with the reality outside war but by doing this also highlights how unnatural their situation is

Question 18

We danced… those tarts [were terrified of my driving] … I didn’t give a damn.

Answer 18

Hibbert was the complete opposite before the war. Like Osborne who used to play for the Harlequins, the men have been emasculated and transformed.

Question 19

It all seems rather silly, doesn’t it? [This war]

Answer 19

Osborne says it as one of his only opinions that are remotely negative. Sherriff has structured this at the play’s climax. It’s too late to do anything about it and the statement is tragic because it shows he knows his death would be meaningless.

Question 20

the solitary candle burns with a steady flame

Answer 20

This stage direction reminds the director that Stanhope has fought through and overcome battle after battle and now he is completely alone - a tragic hero

Question 21

How awfully nice if the brigadier’s pleased!

Answer 21

Stanhope’s sarcasm shows that he is a man of values. He doesn’t care about authority and wants the SM to know Osborne’s death was needless and the fault of the authorities.

Question 22

We must put on a good show!

Answer 22

Osborne tells Raleigh this before they go to the raid that kills him. It could make war sound meaningless and fake or could be a way for him to calm Raleigh and himself: seeing the raid like Alice in Wonderland type romance.

Question 23

“The time has come” the Walrus said “To talk of many things: of shoes and ships and ceiling wax, of cabbages and kings.”

Answer 23

Like Osborne’s rhyme, the men’s situation is absurd. Their “time could come” at any minute and it doesn’t matter who you are: cabbage or king - Mason or Osborne. War has completely twisted all sense of what is important.

Question 24

Behind our house there’s a stream… Dennis and I followed it once as far as we could.

Answer 24

Raleigh is still a child who has experienced very little and cares about childish things. The freedom and friendship here is the opposite of their present situation. The audience feel greater empathy for Raleigh as this is something they can imagine and relate to. Perhaps the stream is life - In the last scene S+R will stick together and try to survive.

Question 25

It’s not your fault Jimmy

Answer 25

In this scene S calls R by name for the first time. Very paternal; takes on Osbrone’s earlier role. This quote also highlights that he forgives/never blamed Raleigh.