Hardy

Question 1

Conditions of war/ tedium of waiting

Answer 1

1. He sings this song about various girls [and finishes with a lively burst] ‘tick tock wind up the clock and will start the day over again.’
2. Comments about the drinking water being ‘rather strong… some sort of disinfectant.’
3. Describes the beds: ‘haven’t got any bottoms to them. You keep yourself in by hanging your arms and legs of the sides. Mustn’t hang your legs to know all the rats gnaw your boots.’
4. Gives advice about how to win in Earwig races : ‘Well, if you want to get the best pace out of an earwig, dip it in whisky - makes ’em go like hell!’

Question 2

Coping mechanisms

Answer 2

1. Stage directions describe Hardy as ‘( a red-faced, cheerful-looking man, is sitting on a box by the table, intently drying a sock over a candle flame)’
2. Hardy explains how ‘A dugout got blown up and came down in the men’s tea. They were frightfully annoyed.’
3. Hardy casually drops into the conversation :‘By the way, you know the big German attack’s expected any day now? … I should think you’ll get it - right in the neck.’
4. Hardy brings up Earwugs and asks Osborne ‘Ever had Earwig races? … Great fun. We’ve had them every evening.’

Question 3

Contrast to Stanhope

Answer 3

1. ‘Well, no, I don’t especially want to see him. He’s so fussy about the trenches. I expect they are rather dirty. He’ll talk for hours if he catches me.’
2. ‘God you are a worker. Oh, well. Here we are. [He finds a tattered little book among the papers on the table.] … Here’s my last entry: 5pm to 8pm. All quiet. German airman flew over trenches. Shot a rat.’
3. ‘What else do you want to know?’
4. Earwig races