The Characters

In Eastward Ho! families bid emotional farewells to fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Many of them return in Home Again but not every story ends happily. O'Neil was highly praised for the psychological detail of his characters. Optimism, patriotism, fear and relief are brilliantly observed and can only be fully understood by comparing the two paintings.

In Eastward Ho! a war veteran (a 'Chelsea pensioner') waves goodbye to his grandson. He encourages him by holding up his own medal. In Home Again he greets his grandson from the dock.

In Eastward Ho! this soldier is being urged on by his grandfather. In Home Again, he proudly holds out a Victoria Cross - a medal awarded for bravery in the face of the enemy.

In Eastward Ho! this woman reaches out for a last handclasp with her husband. In Home Again she holds her wounded husband's crutches as he is helped onto the docks.

In Eastward Ho! this soldier holds his wife's hand for the last time. In Home Again he returns injured with his leg bound, but alive.

In Eastward Ho! this child amuses her younger sister with a toy soldier as their parents say goodbye. In Home Again, they play with an Indian toy brought back by their father.

In Eastward Ho! this couple kiss farewell on the gangplank. In Home Again, The couple are reunited and the father meets his child for the first time.

In Eastward Ho! this widow and daughter weep as they say goodbye to their son and brother. In Home Again, they are overjoyed by his safe return.

In Eastward Ho! this tearful woman is helped from the gangplank. In Home Again, her face is hidden. The man she came to meet has failed to return.

In Eastward Ho! this tattooed sailor escorts a woman from the gangplank. In Home Again, he helps an injured soldier to shore.

In Eastward Ho! this dockworker stands unconcerned, smoking a clay pipe. In Home Again, he is again smoking whilst securing the rope on the dock.