Comradeship is a very important theme in Journey's End determining much of the atmosphere of the play and the interrelations between characters. Throughout the play Sherriff explores how differing backgrounds and roles within the army can affect the feeling of closeness and trust between the soldiers.
             From the beginning of the play the audience is given the impression that the friendships between characters is very superficial and emphasis is placed on how the men have been forced into their situations. In their conversation in act one, Hardy and Osborne try to make jokes in order to lighten the atmosphere. "Excuse my sock wont you?" "Certainly, it's a very nice sock". However this irrelevant small talk simply illustrates that these characters do not know each other very well. There are also references to character's selfishness. Hibbert tries to pretend that he has neuralgia in order to return home early and Stanhope compares him with a previous officer who feigned lumbago. Stanhope uses the idea of camaraderie to persuade Hibbert that he is needed in the patrol, "If you went – and left Osborne and Trotter and Raleigh and all those men up there to do your work – could you ever look a man straight in the face again – in all your life? This quote shows that, Stanhope at least, recognises the power comradeship can have over people and uses his statement as an attack on Hibbert's pride. However Stanhope then offers Hibbert a cup of tea before going out on watch with him to make him feel better and to show that he understands how he is feeling.
             In the play certain characters assume a particular role in relation to the others. Mason is seen as the provider for the company and this is highlighted by his position as chef. He brings the comedy element to the play enabling the tone to be lifted in places, in order for the irony of situations to become apparent. This role is fu
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