Hibert

Question 1

Impressions from his own speech and appearance

Answer 1

• ‘small slightly built man in his early twenties, with a little moustache and a pallid face’
• ‘gently rubbing his forehead’
• ‘ I don’t think I can manage any supper tonight, Stanhope. It’s this beastly Neuralgia.’
• Talking about Raleigh, ‘That lad’s too keen on his ‘duty’.’

Question 2

Stanhope’s views

Answer 2

• Stanhope tells Osborne that Hibert is, ‘Another worm trying to wriggle home’
• ‘Artful little swine’
• ‘If you went, I’d have you shot – for deserting . It’s a hell of a disgrace/to die like that. I’d rather spare you the disgrace…’
• ‘Get out of my sight!’ … ‘Little worm gets on my nerves.’ - Hibert is still not likeable even after their meaningful convo

Question 3

The threat scene

Answer 3

• ‘[pleadingly] Stanhope - if you only knew how awful I feel - Please let me go by -’
• ‘[Suddenly Hibert bursts into a high-pitched laugh] Go on, then, shoot! … I swear I’ll never see those trenches again. Shoot! - and thank God -’
• ‘I’ll never go up those steps again—into the line—with the men looking at me—and knowing—I’d rather die here. [He is sitting on STANHOPE’S bed, crying without effort to restrain himself.]’
• ‘I don’t care. What does it matter? It’s all so - so beastly - nothing matters - ’

Question 4

Coping Mechanisms

Answer 4

• (Hibert sits on the bed to the left, his thin white fingers nervously twitching the ash from his cigar. His pale face is shiny with sweat from the heat of the candles; his laugh is high-pitched and excited.’
• I never forget picking up a couple of tarts one night and taking ‘em out to dinner.’ and Trotter says ( winking at Stanhope) ‘E’s orf again.’ Once Hibert finishes telling the story, (he chuckles at the memory, and takes an unsteady gulp of champagne)
• (Hibbert takes a leather case from his pocket and produces some picture postcards.) ‘I say, I’ve never shown you these, have I?’ (Smiling up into Stanhope‘s face for approval.)