What does The Destructors symbolize?
What does The Destructors symbolize?
The story, The Destructors is actually an allegory for the decline of the post independent Sri Lankan state so the story is full of symbolism. The house actually allegorically represents or is the symbol for the Sri Lankan state.
What does the house symbolize in The Destructors?
In Graham Greene’s “The Destructors,” Mr. Thomas’s house symbolizes England after World War II. First of all, the structure of the house, known as the “Old Misery’s,” represents the past glory of England. The elaborateness of the house is symbolic of the old class structure.
What is the setting of the story The Destructors?
Set in the mid-1950s, the story is about the “Wormsley Common Gang”, a boys’ gang named after the place where they live. The protagonist Trevor, or “T.”, devises a plan to destroy a beautiful two-hundred-year-old house that survived The Blitz.
What is the theme of The Destructors?
Money and the Value of Things “The Destructors” focuses particularly on the clash between the pre-war and post-war generations in their relationships to money and material possessions. 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.
What is the importance in the ending of The Destructors?
I think that part of the significance of the ending is that it helps to bring out the reality of the world following the wanton destruction that was the child of World War II. The effect of the bombing on London is evident. There is nothing but destruction that surrounds the people of London.
What is the main theme of The Destructors?
How is The Destructors ironic?
The most obvious irony in “The Destructors” by Graham Greene concerns the leader of the Wormsley Common gang. When T suggests that they destroy the place instead, the boys have to be convinced; but eventually they are captivated by the idea, and that is when T takes over the gang.
What does Blackie symbolize in The Destructors?
Blackie symbolizes the more typical boys’ gang leader of the early part of the twentieth century. 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.
What is the moral lesson of The Destructors?
The moral lesson of the story is that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. The boys in the story act like typical teenagers. They are destructive because they can be. If you ask a teenager why they do something, half the time they really won’t be able to give you an answer.
What is the theme of the destructors?
What is ironic about the last paragraph in the story and how does the irony contribute to the story’s theme?
Answer: Heaven only knows how he came by such a character!” It’s ironic because the lady herself is so prejudiced and now she is declaring otherwise, which has a humorous and ironic effect.
What is the significance of the setting in The Destructors?
The most significant aspect of the setting is the way the destruction of London during World War II, the imagery of the bombed out car park and the ravaged neighborhood, affect the boys in the Wormsley Common Gang.
What is the major theme of the destructors?
Greene’s complicated story introduces multiple themes and interpretive possibilities, but the major theme of the story centers around the conflict between the gang, the Wormsley Common Gang, and the elderly occupant of the home they decided to destroy, Mr. Thomas, or “Old Misery.”
When was The Destructors by Graham Greene published?
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 are the allegorical elements of the destructors?
Beneath the surface of ‘‘The Destructors’’ are allegorical elements that enable Greene to comment about postwar England.
How is the paradox used in the destructors?
Greene’s use of paradox in the story is evident in T.’s attitudes toward Mr. Thomas. On the one hand, he sets about destroying his house, treating him disrespectfully, and regarding him with suspicion. At the same time, however, T. does not hate him.