Journey's End; Language Analysis

Dramatic irony is created when the audience learn something interesting from one character that another character doesn’t know about. In this play there are many examples but the most striking is when Hibbert complains to Stanhope of his "neuralgia", the audience is already half aware of what Stanhope’s response will be.

A key dramatic effect is contrast. Sherriff uses this technique to guide the audience’s response to characters and actions. For example, when the tall and slim Stanhope first appears on set, he is with chubby red-faced Trotter. This emphasises the heroic physical attributes of Stanhope and helps us to understand the boyish love Raleigh has for him.