“The Destructors” is a short story written by Graham Greene that was first published in 1954. The story is set in post-World War II London and follows a group of teenage boys who call themselves the Wormsley Common Gang. The story is often analyzed for its use of allegory to comment on the state of society at the time.
The story’s central allegory revolves around the idea of destruction and creation. The boys, led by a character named Blackie, decide to destroy an old man’s house in their neighborhood. This act of destruction is seen as a commentary on the destruction caused by the war and the rebuilding process that was taking place in London at the time. The story also explores the idea of power and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals.
Overall, “The Destructors” is a powerful example of how literature can use allegory to comment on society and human nature. By exploring the themes of destruction, creation, and power, Greene is able to provide a commentary on the state of post-war London and the human condition in general.
Background of ‘The Destructors’
“The Destructors” is a short story written by Graham Greene, first published in 1954. The story is set in post-World War II London and follows a group of boys who call themselves the Wormsley Common Gang. The story explores themes of destruction, power, and the effects of war on society.
The story takes place in a neighborhood that was heavily damaged during the war. The Wormsley Common Gang, led by a boy named T., decides to destroy a house that survived the bombings. The story follows their planning and execution of the destruction.
Greene was known for his exploration of moral and political issues in his writing. “The Destructors” is often considered an allegory for the destruction caused by war and the corruption of power. The story also explores the idea of nihilism and the desire for destruction as a means of asserting power.
Overall, “The Destructors” is a powerful commentary on the effects of war on society and the human psyche. It continues to be studied and analyzed by literary scholars and readers alike.
Allegorical Elements in “The Destructors”
“The Destructors” by Graham Greene is a short story that contains several allegorical elements. These elements are used by the author to comment on post-war England and the effects of war on society.
War and Post-War Themes
One of the most prominent allegorical elements in “The Destructors” is the theme of war and its aftermath. The story is set in post-war London, and the destruction caused by the Blitz is still evident. The Wormsley Common Gang’s destruction of Mr. Thomas’s house can be seen as a metaphor for the destruction caused by the war. The fact that Mr. Thomas’s house is the only one left standing emphasizes the extent of the damage caused by the war.
Loss of Innocence
Another allegorical element in “The Destructors” is the loss of innocence. The story follows a group of boys who are not yet adults but are no longer children. The boys’ destruction of Mr. Thomas’s house can be seen as a metaphor for their loss of innocence. The fact that they are willing to destroy something that is not theirs shows that they have lost their sense of right and wrong.
Class Conflict
The third allegorical element in “The Destructors” is the theme of class conflict. The story takes place in a working-class neighborhood, and the Wormsley Common Gang is made up of boys from this neighborhood. The destruction of Mr. Thomas’s house can be seen as a rebellion against the upper-class and their way of life. The boys’ desire to destroy something that represents the upper-class shows their resentment and anger towards the class system.
Overall, “The Destructors” is a story that contains several allegorical elements. These elements are used by the author to comment on post-war England and the effects of war on society.
Main Characters as Allegorical Figures
Trevor (T.)
Trevor, also known as T., is the protagonist of the story and represents the destructive force of chaos and rebellion against the established order. He is the leader of the Wormsley Common gang, and he is the one who suggests that they destroy Mr. Thomas’s house. Trevor’s desire to destroy the house is not just a random act of violence but a deliberate attempt to undermine the old order and create a new one.
Blackie
Blackie is the former leader of the Wormsley Common gang and represents the forces of order and tradition. He is initially opposed to the idea of destroying Mr. Thomas’s house, but he eventually gives in to Trevor’s persuasive arguments. Blackie’s character shows that even those who value order and stability can be swayed by the allure of rebellion and chaos.
Mr. Thomas (Old Misery)
Mr. Thomas, also known as Old Misery, is the owner of the house that the gang destroys. He represents the old order that the gang seeks to overthrow. Mr. Thomas is a wealthy and respected member of the community, and his house is a symbol of his power and influence. By destroying his house, the gang is not just attacking him personally but also challenging the established social order.
In conclusion, the main characters in “The Destructors” can be seen as allegorical figures that represent larger social forces and ideas. Trevor represents the destructive force of chaos and rebellion, Blackie represents the forces of order and tradition, and Mr. Thomas represents the old order that the gang seeks to overthrow.
Symbolism in “The Destructors”
“The Destructors” by Graham Greene is a short story that uses symbolism to convey its allegorical meaning. The story is set in post-WWII England and follows a group of young boys who destroy an old house in a wealthy neighborhood. The following are some of the key symbols in the story:
The House
The house in the story is a symbol of the old order that the boys are trying to destroy. It represents the upper class and their values, which the boys see as outdated and out of touch with the reality of their lives. The boys’ decision to destroy the house is a rebellion against this old order, and a way for them to assert their own power and control over their environment.
The Money
The money that the boys find in Mr. Thomas’s house is another important symbol in the story. It represents the wealth and privilege of the upper class, which the boys see as unjustly acquired. The boys’ decision to burn the money is a way for them to express their anger and frustration with the inequality they see in society.
The Destruction
The destruction of the house is the most obvious symbol in the story. It represents the boys’ desire to tear down the old order and create something new in its place. The destruction is also a way for the boys to assert their own power and control over their environment, and to show that they are capable of shaping their own destiny.
Overall, “The Destructors” is a powerful allegory that uses symbolism to convey its message. The symbols of the house, the money, and the destruction all work together to create a powerful narrative about the struggle for power and control in society.
Interpreting the Allegory
Social Commentary
The Destructors is a short story that is rich in social commentary. It is an allegory that explores the social and economic conditions of post-war England. The story is set in a poor neighborhood, where a group of young boys decide to destroy a house that survived the bombings of World War II. The house is a symbol of the old order, and the boys’ destruction of it represents the destruction of the old social order.
The story highlights the class differences that existed in post-war England. The boys come from poor families and are envious of the wealth and privilege enjoyed by the upper classes. The destruction of the house is a way for them to express their anger and resentment towards the upper classes.
Human Nature and Morality
The Destructors also explores the darker aspects of human nature. The boys’ actions are driven by a desire for power and a sense of nihilism. They take pleasure in destroying something that is beautiful and valuable. The story suggests that human beings have a natural tendency towards destruction and chaos.
However, the story also raises questions about morality and ethics. The boys’ actions are clearly immoral, but the story does not provide a clear moral lesson. Instead, it leaves the reader to ponder the complexities of human nature and the difficulty of making moral judgments.
In conclusion, The Destructors is a powerful allegory that explores important themes related to social class, human nature, and morality. The story raises important questions about the nature of society and the human condition. It is a thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Works
“The Destructors” shares some similarities with other allegories that explore the theme of destruction and societal decay. One such work is William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” which similarly depicts the breakdown of order and morality in a group of young boys. Both stories use a group of young boys to represent society and explore the consequences of their actions. In “The Destructors,” the boys’ destruction of Mr. Thomas’s house represents the destruction of traditional values and social order.
Another work that shares similarities with “The Destructors” is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Both stories use animal characters to represent humans and explore the dangers of totalitarianism. In “The Destructors,” the boys’ gang can be seen as representing a totalitarian regime, with Trevor as its ruthless leader.
Differences to Traditional Allegories
While “The Destructors” shares similarities with traditional allegories, it also differs in some significant ways. Unlike many allegories, “The Destructors” does not have a clear moral or message. Instead, it presents a complex and nuanced exploration of the consequences of destruction and societal decay.
Additionally, “The Destructors” is not a straightforward allegory. While it can be read as an allegory for the destruction of traditional values and social order, it can also be read as a commentary on the effects of war and trauma on society. The story’s setting in post-World War II London and its references to the Blitz suggest that the boys’ destructive behavior may be a response to the trauma of war.
Overall, “The Destructors” is a complex and thought-provoking allegory that explores the consequences of destruction and societal decay in a nuanced and multifaceted way.
Impact and Legacy of ‘The Destructors’
Graham Greene’s short story “The Destructors” has had a lasting impact on the literary world. The story has been studied in classrooms around the world and has been the topic of many critical essays. It is considered a classic example of allegory in literature.
The story’s themes of destruction, power, and class struggle continue to resonate with readers today. It has been adapted into various forms, including a stage play and a short film.
Greene’s writing style, characterized by his use of concise and precise language, has influenced many writers who followed him. His ability to convey complex themes through simple stories has been praised by critics and readers alike.
Overall, “The Destructors” remains a powerful work of literature that continues to captivate and inspire readers. Its impact on the literary world is undeniable, and its legacy will continue for generations to come.