Analyzing The Journeys End Of Regeneration English Literature Essay

Analyzing The Journeys End Of Regeneration English Literature Essay In the two works that I will be analysing, ‘Journey’s End’ and ‘Regeneration’, class refers to the social values that distinguish between the lower, middle and upper class men. The theme of class is central to both of the works and is personified in two predominant characters, ‘Trotter’ in ‘Journey’s End’ as well as ‘Prior’ in ‘Regeneration’, they will both be fundamental subjects in my essay; in which I will discuss how ‘Sheriff’ and ‘Barker’ explore this theme of class, concerning similarities and differences in the various methods employed. Three palpable contrasts between the works should at the outset be mentioned. Firstly ‘Journey’s End’ was written by a man, ‘Sheriff’ who had firsthand experience of the war, himself being a captain in the East Surrey Regiment. Therefore, we can assume that some events in ‘Journey’s End’ and characters used are most likely influenced by genuine soldiers. Thus themes of class and the harshness of war are even more authentic and realistic; â€Å"How awfully nice – if the brigadier’s pleased† – is a typical, if not sarcastic, response from a proverbial soldier; Stanhope, concerning Osborne’s death, showing little respect for those in higher command and also his repression of emotion. Sheriff explores the theme of class through the effects on the characters; how differing people handle the constant stress of war, for Stanhope, it is to â€Å"drink like a fish†, in contrast to Trotters circle drawing, perhaps showing a lack of imagination. On the other hand the writer of ‘Regeneration’, ‘Barker’ is a woman and more importantly a lot younger than ‘Sheriff’ with no direct experience of the war. ‘Regeneration’ seems to focus more on the aftermath, which allows a broade r sense of themes such as roles of women and the altered mental states of the class men. â€Å"You seem to have a very powerful anti-war neurosis†, is Rivers’ reply to Sassoon, who asks if he is mad, it shows the effect of the war, that it can make an educated and brave man question his own sanity. It also explores the theme of class; Rivers and Sassoon immediately create a bond with one another, coming from similar backgrounds and viewpoints, as opposed to the perpetual antagonism between Prior and Rivers. Secondly ‘Journey’s End’ is a play, as opposed to a novel, and ‘Sheriff’ employs staging. This coupled with the need for a play to be entertaining, does not give ‘Sheriff’ the luxury of including pages full of background conversation which allow subtle character progression. ‘Barker’s’ work in general could be seen as symbolically internal with the characters thoughts and deep emotions shown through i ntrospection, â€Å"†¦ and thought oh God, it’s going to be another one of this†, this allows the audience to understand the characters in greater detail, to relate to them based on our personal experience, perspective and class. Whereas ‘Sheriff’s’ is driven by actions, and what other characters say. â€Å"(He puts the box on its side and sits on it. It is too low for the table, and he puts it on its end. It is then too high†¦)†, When ‘Trotter’ is first introduced the stage actions show him to be a comical character, at odds with the more serious Stanhope or the â€Å"hard as nails† Osborne, however ‘Trotter’ is a much more deep individual below the surface, which is shown by the end of the play with his promotion to second in command; Similarly ‘Prior’ in ‘Regeneration’ is first introduced as a mute, with a case of ‘dumbness’, differing to the other characters , but throughout the novel he conveys himself to be highly intelligent and profound.