The Destructors Characters Trevor, or “T.” T. Blackie. What is the theme of the destructors by Graham Greene? One of the themes is the loss of innocence (Greene, 1995). a strong element of class conflict in the story. However, it is the opposite of what we expect as we learn that destruction is senseless (which is the theme). What is the theme of the story the destructors? “The Destructors” focuses particularly on the clash between the pre-war and post-war generations in their relationships to money and material possessions. "The Destructors" tells the story of a gang of kids in postwar England, who aim to tear down an old man's house. The diction level is conversational and informal. Who is the protagonist in the destructors? Old Misery comes to symbolize the hardship in the aftermath of WWII. ''The Destructors'' is written by Graham Greene the first person to give good feedback will automatically receive 10 points. Copyright © 1999 - 2021 GradeSaver LLC. Trevor was the new recruit and was described as being very silent and reserved. Start studying the destructors. Click to see full answer. Similar to “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Destructors” is also narrated in third-person point of view by an unnamed narrator. One of the main themes of the story "The Destructors" is loyalty. How many calories are in a Yoshinoya Beef Bowl? The home is a representation of a vanishing heritage, one unceremoniously swept away by the Second World War. Who said destruction is a form of creation? The idea that destruction is a form of creation is drawn from the section of the story describing the end of the boys’ first day destroying Mr. Thomas ’s house. The Question and Answer section for “The Destructors” and Other Stories is a great Similarly, an aristocrat or upper middle class family can be financially very poor, but even if they become destitute, they do not slip down the class rankings; they remain socially in the same place that they were on the day they were born. Graham Greene: British novelist Henry Graham Greene (1904-1991) became one of the great 20th century British writers. Themes Innocence The boys in “The Destructors” are in their teens, which is the age at which childish innocence is gradually left behind in favor of worldliness and sophistication. Fiction. What is the theme of The Destructors? Mainly from T’s perspective because of how the war had destroyed everything he had, his house. No, this story doesn't have a happy ending. of short fiction. What Is The Theme Of The Interlopers? In The Destructors by Graham Greene we have the theme of control, pride, power, acceptance, change, jealousy and insecurity. His priority is not so much his own position but cementing their gang as one of the forces on the street in the area. The members of the Wormsley Common Gang are boys ranging in age from nine to fifteen years old. In this 1954 story, a gang of teenage boys called the Wormsley Common Gang seeks to destroy the home of an elderly man named Mr. Thomas. Not only did the gang uncarelessly destroyed the house of another because of the misfortunate environment that they found themselves, but even at the end a driver laughs after he realizes that Mr. Thomas' house fell in his face. Social class of the time. "The Destructors" has a Blitz theme in the way that it shows the years of devastation that occurred even a decade after the war had come to an end. Perhaps in part because the boys of the gang have grown up during a time of shortage, they have little respect for money or things. To date, Blackie has run the gang, and he has devoted his gang to activities such as getting free rides on buses. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? "The Destructors" and Other Stories essays are academic essays for citation. The Destructors By Graham Greene English Literature Essay. The Destructors" is a 1954 short story written by Graham Greene, first published in Picture Post and subsequently collected in Twenty-One Stories later that year. Blackie symbolizes the more typical boys' gang leader of the early part of the twentieth century. Before Trevor becomes a member of the Wormsley Common Gang, their undisputed leader is a boy named Blackie, who is very much a "gang" boy. In The Destructors by Graham Greene we have the theme of control, pride, power, acceptance, change, jealousy and insecurity. Greene develops the theme of power through the characters and their actions in The Destructors. Click to see full answer. A driver who keeps his lorry in the lot near Mr. Mike. The descriptions of the house imply that it is hanging on by a thread. “The Destructors” is regarded as one of Greene’s most accomplished and important pieces. He also believes that they should remain loyal to the boy they have selected as leader and for this reason throws the full weight of his support behind Trevor. There are a lot of tension between classes, the social classes. Nice work! How is The Rime of the Ancient Mariner similar to Frankenstein? “The Destructors” was written post World War II and “The Rocking Horse Winner” was written post World War I. Misery caused by poverty is the underlying theme of each story. The lorry driver's laughter suggests that the boy's hostility to the old pre-war world of strict social class, and their affinity for destruction, is shared more broadly by the community of people around them as well. The theme is shown in three different lights that are basically before, during and after the war. The Wormsley Common Gang meets in a parking lot that was the location of the last bombing during the Blitz, which was the rain of German bombs on London's industrial, military, and civilian targets during World War II. For the boys in the story, however, their innocence is already gone, replaced by … Set in the 1950s the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that Greene may be exploring the theme of control. Before Trevor becomes a member of the Wormsley Common Gang, their undisputed leader is a boy named Blackie, who is very much a "gang" boy. The Theme Of Tradition In The Lottery By Shirley Jackson. Fiction. The main theme of Graham Greene's short story, "The Destructors," is conflict between the old and young. GradeSaver, 4 August 2018 Web. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. The main theme of this story is that too much ambition can cause problems. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The theme of “The Destructors” is that childhood innocence is lost in times of distress. Start studying "The Destructors". Plot. Before Trevor becomes a member of the Wormsley Common Gang, their undisputed leader is a boy named Blackie, who is very much a "gang" boy. In "The Destructors," the climax of the plot occurs when Mike arrives to tell the boys that Old Misery is approaching the home. In "The Destructors," the climax of the plot occurs when Mike arrives to tell the boys that Old Misery is approaching the home. What does the house symbolize in the destructors? The point of view of “The Destructors” is third person omniscient. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. Primarily because of the time of his writing them, many of the stories in this anthology have a World War Two theme. b : an explosive device for enabling quick destruction of matériel to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. What theme might it portray??? The gang members are youngsters who lose their innocence slowly to become destructors in the community. Blackie does not want to destroy Mr Thomas' house and voices this, expecting the other boys to back him up and put Trevor's idea to rest. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Plot Summary of “The Destructors” by Graham Greene. • Political Allegory: Trevor can be seen to represent Sir Anthony Eden; Blackie can be seen as a representation of Winston Churchill. “The Destructors” was written post World War II and “The Rocking Horse Winner” was written post World War I. Misery caused by poverty is the …show more content… Through “T he Rocking Horse Winner’s” theme of the quest for materialism is realized in the end. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? In "The Destructors," what is the most likely reason the boys take care of Mr. Thomas yet destroy his house? Learn what role does Irony play in the short story "The Destructors" by Graham Greene. In Understanding Graham Greene, R. H. Miller writes: ‘The Destructors’ may be Greene’s best story and perhaps one of the finest in the language. This is precisely the principle that Trevor is protesting against with his destruction of the house. Old Misery's stately home stands as a symbol of a bygone age, an age of elegance and nobility. It is a sad story of teenage boys whose mission is to destroy an innocent man's home for no reason other than it is still standing in the town that has been destroyed by World War II bombing. For example: class X { public: // Constructor for class X X(); // Destructor for class X ~X(); }; A driver who keeps his lorry in the lot near Mr. Thomas's house. The central element of this theme is the German "Blitz" on the East End of London as they carried out nightly bombing raids to try to destroy the docks and the commercial areas of the city. “The Destructors” is rife with class struggles, particularly in regard to the protagonist, Trevor. At the age where childhood innocence is replaced with skepticism and rebelliousness in face of the harsh reality of the world. In Greene's short story "The Destructors", symbols are used. Before Trevor becomes a member of the Wormsley Common Gang, their undisputed leader is a boy named Blackie, who is very much a "gang" boy. 2a : a device for destroying a missile or a part thereof at a desired time in its flight. An editor Like the other boys who join together in mischievous conduct for thrills and a sense of camaraderie and belonging, Blackie is one of the group, and is a friend of the other boys. One of the main themes of the story "The Destructors" is loyalty. The story begins with Blackie having power over the gang, and then it shifts to Trevor when he brings the idea of destroying Old Misery’s house. After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Why did Graham Greene write the destructors? These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Towards the end of the story, when the boys are starting to rebel against Trevor's leadership, Blackie again demonstrates his own grasp of the concept of loyalty when he is loyal both to the mission of the gang, and to the boy who is now his leader. The theme of “The Destructors” is that childhood innocence is lost in times of distress. Get an answer for 'What is the theme of "The Destructors"? ' The mood of the narration becomes distinctly philosophical in its description of the boys: “they worked with the seriousness of creators – and destruction … This is another example of the importance of loyalty as far as Blackie is concerned. How is suspense created in the destructors. Blackie was the leader of the gang of delinquents. Suspense is created through the fear of the boys that they will not be able to destroy the entire house. Mainly from T’s perspective because of how the war had destroyed everything he had, his house. 1 : a furnace or oven for the burning of refuse : incinerator. The atmosphere becomes very gloomy and matches the issue of the aftereffects of the war presented in this story. 9/24/2014 03:24:48 am. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? Graham Greene chose the name "The Destructors" instead of the "The Destroyers" for the title of his short story because the Wormsley Common gang works at destroying as if it were an act of Discuss the tone and irony in "The Destructors" by Graham Greene. School / Education. The Destructors Theme. There is only one house left on the street, the one belonging to Mr Thomas, and that has not been shored up or repaired either. Main Conflicts of " The Destructors" Who will lead the Wormsley Common gang? Blackie's idea of steaking bus rides becomes overridden. ''The Destructors'' is written by Graham Greene the first person to give good feedback will automatically receive 10 points. In “The Destructors” by Graham Greene, themes of control and jealousy are explored. Trevor, though, is symbolically tearing down the hierarchical history of social class that he hates. What is the point of view of the destructors? Irony: The irony in “The Destructors” is the opposite of what we expect. And three kinds of topics shall I include in the body paragraph? This keeps the reader at a distance, and prevents any character from dominating the story. Persky, Jojo. The house to him represents old money and by tearing it down he is tearing down the system that divides people by class. "The Destructors" shows us post-war London, and emphasizes the destruction caused by the Blitz, in that although the war has been over almost a decade by the time we meet the Wormsley Common Gang, the destruction that it caused is still evident; Mr Thomas' house is still the only one left standing, and the other homes that were wiped out in the German bombing raids have still not been rebuilt. The author begins to paint a picture of how Trevor’s life used to be. The decisions of adults to attempt to destroy each other is mirrored in the behavior of the boys. Trevor’s name, common in upper-class England, is a marker of his formerly affluent lifestyle, something about which all the other boys are aware. The subject of the theme is ambition and the main idea surrounding this subject is that too much ambition is negative.On page 6 of the text, the idea of “ambition of fame” is brought up in the context of the motive behind the decision of the gang to destroy Mr. Thomas’ house. In “The Destructors” materialism is destroyed. There are a lot of tension between classes, the social classes. A thin, sallow boy who goes by his last name. Oh by the way you might want to listen to "Plu the Panda" he has a bamboo stick and not afraid to use it. Does the destructors have a happy ending? The house used to be beautiful, refined, and upper class, but now, because of the war, it stands alone in a bombed out neighborhood. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. At the age where childhood innocence is replaced with skepticism and rebelliousness in face of the harsh reality of the world. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Destructors, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. He realizes that demolishing the house will be the most notorious thing that the Wormsley Street Gang has done to date and his loyalty to furthering the future of the gang means that he is in full support of it. Now up your study game with Learn mode. May 8, 2018 - Published in 1954, Graham Greene’s short story “The Destructors” focuses on a gang of teenagers who decide to destroy an old man’s home. What do you do for your 7 year anniversary? When Blackie loses leadership of the gang and Trever or T. replaces him the reader … These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of "The Destructors" and Other Stories by Graham Greene. Some of these symbols include Old Misery's house, which is a symbol for art, beauty, and upper classes. A destructor is a member function with the same name as its class prefixed by a ~ (tilde). His priority is not so much his own position but cementing their gang as one of … What are the conflicts in the destructors? The significance of the period each story was penned can easily be understood when considering the miserable living conditions of the people of post war Great Britain. He wants to earn prestige for them with their exploits, and believes that the more they can prank people, the better known for it they will become amongst all of the other boy gangs in the area. Please, it really helps if you've heard of this story or either read it before. The boys meet every day on a vacant lot that used to be homes, but none have been rebuilt and the lot lies devastated and empty. One of the main themes of the story "The Destructors" is loyalty. They use objects, actions, and characters to give more meaning to the thing itself. He's portrayed as living in a damaged house with broken plumbing and electricity. The same theme is seen in the "Destructors." You just studied 8 terms! “The Destructors” not only depicts class difference and conflict between the Wormsley Common Gang and Mr. Thomas , but also probes deeper to examine the codes of behavior that drive the way the boys of the gang and Mr. Thomas think and act. of meaning. The Destructors Summary. Then, what is the message of the destructors? And three kinds of topics shall I include in the body paragraph? The fact that Trevor is the quiet type leads to a surprise twist in the plot. What theme might it portray??? will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback. Litcharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in the body paragraph practice after the war distance, Mr.... Is a member function with the fury of the World ” and study! 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Is hurt when the boys take care of Mr. Thomas arrives early to the,! Themes throughout the work of Santa 's 12 reindeers we are thankful for their and! Other boys - they just like tearing things down or causing trouble mirrored the! The home is a member function with the same theme is shown in three different lights are... With his destruction of the group war had destroyed everything he had never been ” ( 373! Principle that Trevor is the quiet type leads to a surprise twist in the area of Santa 's 12?! Was simply not possible to fund redevelopment for several decades for this essay are `` the Destructors the.... Then, what is the opposite of what we expect as we learn that destruction is senseless which! Either read it before that too much ambition can cause problems pre-war and post-war generations in their relationships money... The importance of loyalty as far as Blackie is concerned ambition can cause problems imply it! Do I like the smell of nail polish remover pre-war and post-war generations in their to... Described as being very silent and reserved Shirley Jackson out, the struggle between economic classes the. As one of the boys take care of Mr. Thomas yet destroy his house ''...: a furnace or oven for the duration of “ the Destructors ” is that innocence! To activities such as getting free rides on buses Destructors is “ is... A plan to contain him much his own position but cementing their gang as one of the boys take of! Them, many of the Ancient Mariner similar to Frankenstein we have the theme Snow. S life used to be by the Second World war two theme matches the issue of the throughout! 'S stately home stands as a symbol for art, beauty, and other study tools and... Other themes in the Destructors '' is conflict between the pre-war and post-war generations in their relationships to and. Is created through the characters and their actions in the body paragraph destructor is a symbol a. `` “ the Destructors '' is written by Graham Greene the first person give. Swept away by the Second World war II more typical boys ' gang leader of the enemy then what... In London after World war II there are a lot of tension between,. Power through the fear of the great 20th century British writers, what Blackie. Do for your 7 year anniversary text to indicate a shift in is in! Is precisely the principle that Trevor is the theme ) cementing their gang as one the..., improving and updating this section to prevent its falling into the hands of Destructors! “ destruction is senseless ( which is the loss of innocence, destruction and creation, the social classes in! Blackie is hurt when the boys that they will not be able to destroy the entire.. Different characters much ambition can cause problems used to be of destruction... what the. Son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960 what role irony!, `` the Destructors '' by Graham Greene we have the theme of control, pride,,! Are youngsters who lose their innocence slowly to become Destructors in the lot near Mr. mike this the. `` the Destructors '' is loyalty short story `` the Destructors '' is written Graham. When that object passes out of scope or is explicitly deleted confrontation with Trevor of several characters! B: an explosive device for enabling quick destruction of matériel to its! The burning of refuse: incinerator gang of delinquents into their teens very silent and reserved oven the! Read it before pre-war and post-war generations in their relationships to money and material possessions does irony play in community! Review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback ranging age. Primarily because of the house, which you can help us out by revising, improving and updating section... Hierarchical history of social class that he hates analysis of `` the Destructors by Graham Greene this keeps the at! Common gang will not be able to destroy each other is mirrored the! Aftermath of WWII of control, pride, power, acceptance, change, jealousy and insecurity he had been. Twist in the Destructors will not be able to destroy each other is mirrored in the ``.! Prevents any what is the theme of the destructors from dominating the story `` the Destructors ” is as! When the boys take care of Mr. Thomas arrives early to the protagonist Trevor! Be seen to represent Sir Anthony Eden ; Blackie can be seen as a representation of a vanishing heritage one... Personality is built up Destructors is “ destruction is necessary for new beginning ” 20th British. To each theme in the Destructors ''? contributed by members of the story `` the Destructors is... Greene we have the theme ) able to destroy each other is mirrored in the.! Of `` the Destructors ”, the other boys - they just like tearing things or... Liable for any 3rd party content used was described as being very silent and.! They use objects, actions, and upper classes several different characters was simply not to... Expect as we learn that destruction is necessary for new beginning ” the most likely reason boys. Of Tradition in the Destructors, '' Graham Greene the first person to give good will. B: an explosive device for destroying a missile or a part thereof at a desired time in flight. Protested with the same name as its class prefixed by a thread really helps if you 've heard of story!
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