Question

Can someone please assist with the summary of "The Destructors by Graham Greene"and also state which literature lenses appear in the short story.​

Answer 1

The Destructors by Graham Greene is a short story about a group of boys from a post-war slum in London who decide to destroy an old man's house.

The story is a commentary about class struggle and the changing nature of morality.

The main literary lenses that appear in the story are class, power, and morality.

The boys represent the powerlessness of the lower class, and their destruction of the house symbolizes the destruction of the old moral order.

The old man also represents the powerlessness of the upper class, and his attempts to protect the house symbolize his attempts to preserve the old morality.

Ultimately, the story serves as a warning about the consequences of class struggle and the importance of morality.

Answer 2

"The Destructors" is a short story written by Graham Greene. Published in 1954, it explores themes of destruction, power, and the effects of war on society. Several literary lenses can be applied to analyze and interpret the story.

Historical Lens: The story is set in post-World War II London, where the effects of the war are still palpable. This lens allows readers to examine how the characters' actions and attitudes are influenced by the historical context in which they live.

Marxist Lens: The Marxist lens focuses on social class and the dynamics of power and inequality. In "The Destructors," the Wormsley Common gang represents the lower class, while Mr. Thomas, the owner of the house they destroy, symbolizes the upper class. Analyzing the story through a Marxist lens can reveal themes of class struggle and the desire to dismantle existing social structures.

Psychological Lens: The story delves into the psyche of its characters, particularly the gang leader, Trevor. A psychological lens can help analyze the motives, desires, and inner conflicts of the characters, shedding light on their destructive behavior and its psychological implications.

Existentialist Lens: Existentialism explores themes of meaning, choice, and individual responsibility. In "The Destructors," the characters grapple with questions of purpose and identity, particularly Trevor, who seeks to assert his agency and leave his mark on the world through destruction. An existentialist lens can uncover the existential crises faced by the characters and the significance they attach to their actions.

Symbolic Lens: The story employs various symbols that can be examined through a symbolic lens. For instance, the destruction of Mr. Thomas's house represents the destruction of the old order and the initiation of a new one. Additionally, the gang's nickname, "The Wormsley Common Gang," suggests a connection to decay and destruction, emphasizing their role as agents of chaos.

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