Spoiler Alert: How Raleigh Met His Maker in Journey's End (and Didn't Quite Enjoy It)
Ah, Journey's End. A play that turns war from a jolly good adventure (as envisioned by young Lieutenant Raleigh) to a stark reminder that bullets have little regard for idealism. So, how exactly does our enthusiastic new officer shuffle off this mortal coil? Buckle up, because it's a rollercoaster ride of raids, regret, and a healthy dose of existential dread.
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| How Does Raleigh Die In Journey's End |
From Gung-Ho to Gloom: The Raid Gone Wrong
Raleigh starts off with all the wide-eyed innocence of a puppy encountering a tank. He's practically itching to get stuck in, much to the amusement (and slight annoyance) of the war-weary Captain Stanhope. However, their little raid to snag a German prisoner takes a nasty turn. Osborne, Stanhope's old friend and voice of reason, gets his number called permanently.
This hits Raleigh like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, war isn't a glorious adventure but a brutal meat grinder. He's shaken, to say the least.
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
A Change of Heart and a Change of Scenery (Not in a Good Way)
The celebratory post-raid cigars and forced jollity don't exactly do wonders for Raleigh's newfound cynicism. He ditches the merriment and heads for the trenches, where he feels a strange sense of camaraderie with the men on the front lines.
Unfortunately, the trenches also come with pesky things like artillery shells. One such shell finds poor Raleigh and decides to redecorate his insides. He's brought back to the dugout, mortally wounded.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
The Final Curtain: Stanhope Says Goodbye (in His Own Way)
Stanhope, ever the stoic leader, tries his best to comfort his dying friend. He avoids mentioning the severity of the wound, focusing instead on keeping Raleigh calm. There's a heartbreaking tenderness in this scene, as Stanhope, hardened by war, tries to offer solace in the face of the inevitable.
But war, the great party pooper, has the last laugh. Just as Raleigh whispers about feeling cold, he slips away. Stanhope, left grappling with grief and the ever-present threat of enemy attack, exits the scene, leaving us to wonder about his own fate.
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
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In short, Raleigh's demise is a sobering reminder that war chews up idealism and spits out cold, hard reality.
How To Deal with Your Own Mortality After Reading Journey's End (Not Really, But Here Are Some Tips Anyway)
How to channel your inner stoic? Reflect on the impermanence of life and appreciate the good stuff (like, you know, not being in a war trench).
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
How to avoid enthusiastic participation in dangerous raids? Develop a sudden and debilitating fear of open spaces.
How to make friends with your fellow man? Bake cookies! Or, if you're in a war zone, share your cigarettes (assuming you're not trying to quit).
How to comfort a dying friend? Be there for them, even if you can't offer a cure.
How to survive a play about the horrors of war? Stock up on snacks and tissues. You'll need them both.
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