An Analysis of Graham Greene's 'The Destructors'

Analysis, Pages 4 (974 words)

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Graham Greene's short story, 'The Destructors,' presents a profound narrative that revolves around a teenage gang known as the Wormsley Common Gang and their journey into a world of destruction. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the story, focusing on various aspects such as themes, setting, characters, literary devices, and paradoxes, which collectively contribute to the power and impact of this narrative.

The Setting and Its Significance

'The Destructors' unfolds against the backdrop of post-World War II London during the 1960s, where a new generation emerges amidst the ruins of the past.

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The setting plays a pivotal role in elucidating the motives and goals of the Wormsley Common Gang. Their daily rendezvous in a car park area within this war-torn landscape highlights how their surroundings significantly influence their actions and decisions. Notably, a substantial part of their neighborhood lies in ruins, and they draw a stark comparison between a house that remained unscathed during the bombings and a jagged tooth.

These remnants symbolize blatant inequality and injustice within society.

Exploring Themes

The prevailing themes in 'The Destructors' provide a framework that complements the behavior of the gang, offering insight into their motivations and actions. These themes include post-war mentalities, injustice, loss of innocence, and destruction as a form of creation.

The post-war setting in the narrative offers a glimpse into the mentalities of the people who grew up in the aftermath of a devastating conflict. The gang's lack of trust in genuinely kind-hearted individuals and their perception of a fundamentally unequal world exemplify the impact of the war on their outlook.

Their experiences have led them to lose faith in humanity and embrace a more cynical worldview.

The primary objective of the gang is to establish their own world order, characterized by notions of equality and justice. However, their pursuit of these ideals takes on a destructive and ruthless form. The loss of innocence is palpable within the gang, with instances like Mike's solemn mention of attending church serving as a reminder of their tender age being marred by sinister plans and schemes. Their childhood is spent on endeavors that are far from wholesome, further highlighting the loss of innocence.

Furthermore, the theme of destruction as a form of creation underscores the gang's peculiar mindset. They take pride in their acts of demolition, viewing destruction as a means of asserting control and leaving their mark on a world that they believe has failed them. Their actions, though seemingly absurd, serve as a manifestation of their post-war mentality.

Characterization and Their Roles

The characters in 'The Destructors' play a crucial role in conveying the story's message, particularly the gang's violent nature and motivations. Trevor, often referred to as 'T,' stands out as a central figure who inspires and leads the gang in their destructive pursuits. He exhibits a cold, emotionless demeanor, characterized by a belief that "destruction is after all a form of creation." His detachment from human emotion and feeling is evident in his dismissive remark, "All this love and hate... it's soft, it's hooey." T's character embodies the notion that their world has grown harsh and unforgiving, and he acts accordingly. His family's loss of status serves as a driving force behind his ruthless behavior.

In contrast, Blackie is portrayed as a more innocent and naive character within the gang. He expects T to share the money they discover as a reward, reflecting a more traditional sense of fairness. Blackie's assumption that T's enthusiasm for demolishing Old Misery's house stems from personal hatred reveals his genuine and simpler perspective. Blackie's character serves as a stark contrast to the cold and apathetic persona of T, providing insight into what a child's nature should ideally be like.

Literary Devices and Their Impact

Graham Greene employs various literary devices to enhance the narrative's depth and impact. One notable device is simile, as seen in the line, "The grey ash floated above them and fell on their heads like age." This simile not only signifies the gang's loss of innocence but also underscores the idea that they have brought this loss upon themselves through their destructive actions.

Another literary device employed is epistrophe, evident in the quote, "he looked around the room crowded with the unfamiliar shadows of half things, broker things, former things." The repetition of the word "things" emphasizes T's declaration that only tangible, material objects hold value in their post-war world. Their loss of faith in humanity is encapsulated in T's assertion that "there's only things."

The Gang as an Allegory

The gang exhibits characteristics and behaviors reminiscent of adult groups and military organizations. They use military terminology and adhere to organized rules and hierarchies. Terms like "recruit" are used, and the gang operates with clear leadership, determined through voting. These traits suggest that the gang serves as an allegory for real-world conflicts, wars, and political struggles for power.

The dynamics of leadership within the gang, particularly the rivalry between T and Blackie, offer intriguing insights. Initially, T stands out as a strong leader due to his "brooding silence" and grand plans for destruction. However, Blackie eventually regains his influence by selflessly assisting T, even when T's ambitious plans falter. This dynamic reflects the idea that, occasionally, goodness prevails amid a sea of malevolence, offering a glimmer of hope.

Conclusion

'The Destructors' by Graham Greene is a powerful narrative that delves into themes of post-war mentalities, injustice, loss of innocence, and destruction as a form of creation. Through well-crafted characters, literary devices, and a thought-provoking setting, Greene delivers a poignant message about the impact of war on society and human nature. The story serves as an allegory for real-world struggles for power and highlights the complexity of leadership dynamics. In its entirety, 'The Destructors' leaves readers with profound insights into the human condition and the enduring effects of conflict.