Premium Essay

Story Analysis: the Destructors

In:

Submitted By waltercja
Words 787
Pages 4
The Destructors
Short Story Analysis

This short story written by Graham Greene depicts a group of teenage boys, who call themselves the Wormsley Common Gang, after an area where they lived in. The story takes place in Post-World War II. England, almost everything in their part of town is destroyed, with the exception one house that stands with minimal damage. The house is owned by Mr. Thomas (or Old Misery) an old man who lives there alone. The boys do not trust Mr. Thomas, despite his charitable offerings of candy. Trevor, or T, becomes the gang’s leader, taking Blackie’s place, he organizes them, and the boys are eager to follow. However, the youth do not want to be known as common thieves, instead aim to prove a point, to take revenge on the middle class society.

When analyzing this story I looked at three particular aspects of the work and connected them to the development of the theme. Using Character and Motivation I’m able to analyze the characters, figure out their motives, delve deeper into their thought process, and present their values and how they differ from one another. Using Thematic Structure I will be able to figure out which ideas are important to the main character, I will be able to identify symbols, metaphors, and images, and how they contribute to the development of the story. Using Style I can analyze the writer’s choice of language and how it helps to create a mood convey an atmosphere.

By looking at Character and Motivation, we see that Trevor or T, is a bit of a complex character, he was once part of a middle class family, “the fact that his father, a former architect and present clerk, had ‘come down in the world’” (pg.364) but finds himself taking revenge on it. The writer presents T as a character that the other boys respect and answer to. His strong leadership skills are more than enough to win over Blackie’s authoritative

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Comparison of Setting

...February 2, 2015 Thesis – Can two completely different stories have similarities in their setting and how the setting was used to support the story? I. Introduction – YGB and The Destructors took place during different time periods and in completely different locations. (Young Goodman Brown (YGB) – Nathanial Hawthorne published 1835, setting 17th century. The Destructors – Graham Greene published 1954 – setting mid 1950s) a. Different time period b. Different country c. Different time of day II. Why does the setting matter? d. Include character impact. e. The setting in both stories makes them believable III. Both stories rely on their settings to support the plot f. YGB – The setting creates a dark atmosphere. Allows the readier to believe there is witch craft happening and the devil is involved g. The Destructors – The setting creates a desolate location, much of a city after war time. The entire plot is based on symbolism and would not be able to occur if the town wasn’t recovering from war. The whole block was bombed, except the one house that the story is about. IV. Conclusion – both stories took place during different era’s, in different countries and had different conflicts. Similarly, the setting of each supported the plot that showcased conflicts true to the time period. Both stories were written by authors that were from the area. Both stories used the setting (place and time period) to deliver a moral...

Words: 963 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Rocking Horse Winner

...Critical Analysis Paper “The Rocking Horse Winner” and “The Destructors” English 102 Spring 2010 Debbie Thompson 23066932 PO Box 3057 Lilburn, GA 30048 In D.H. Lawrence’s short story, “The Rocking Horse Winner”, and Graham Greene’s “The Destructors”, there are many truths to consider. Although these two stories are considerably different, the message is the same. Whether in a real life-like story “The Destructors” or a fantasy like “The Rocking Horse Winner”, one must scrutinize the various aspects of each story. When comparing the themes of each story, surprising similarities arise. Both are developed around the lives of children. In “The Destructors”, a group of boys in the Wormsley Gang have the same view of the world around them. They have grown up together and shared stories about the bombs that destroyed their town. They also challenge each other to accomplish various tasks. The house that the boys ultimately destroy represents the greediness of Mr. Thomas (known as “Old Misery”), an architect who owns the tattered home. In “The Rocking Horse Winner”, the story’s plot is thickened by a young boy’s obsessive desire to “become lucky”. This young boy, Paul, believes that his house is continually whispering, “there must be more money, there must be more money”. Paul is able to relate to the self-proclaimed dissatisfaction of his mother’s life with the off mood of his house. Paul knows that although his mother appears...

Words: 851 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Journal

...When first reading "The Destructors", by Graham Greene, one might think they are simply reading a tale of childhood mischief. However, like all valuable stories, there are deeper connections that must be made in order to understand the author's motives. "The Destructors" tells the story of a gang of kids who aim to tear down an old man's house. This is a bit disturbing; it is not something most kids would spend their free time doing, and starts to give the idea that the story is a depiction of something greater. Indeed, as we will discuss, Greene is using his characters to portray a microcosm of post-war Britain. Specifically, Greene targets two central themes within this microcosm. The most important is the transition of attitudes over generations. We will see that this transition is a harmful one, and this is due to Greene's second concept of the destructive nature of mankind. The combination of destructive tendencies and this transition provides the reader with the story's ultimate message: human attitudes are nearly impossible to change over time, and war can create a cascade of destructive generations to come. To establish this message, Greene employs the use of an allegory. The story itself is not just representative of the words on the page, but something much more important. In this case, characters may be symbolic of particular people in society, but more accurately, the view into the character's lives as children is symbolic of what they will become as adults. The conflicts...

Words: 558 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

English Literature

...“The Destructors” By Graham Greene Purpose of the Short Story: To teach the reader about the destructive element present in human nature. Atmosphere: The atmosphere is quite dark and has a very pessimistic outlook of the World. The fact that the neighborhood has been demolished by bombs in the Second World War only adds to the negative, violent mood. Characterization: • Protagonist: T/Trevor: He is a round character because we learn quite a bit about his personality. He is also a static character because he does not change throughout the story. • Antagonist: The House: Although it is not a person, the house is the force that opposes T. Without the house that was left standing after the bombing, there would be no plot. • Blackie: He is a flat character because we do not know much about him at all. He is also a static character because throughout the story, he remains hesitant about the gangs plot to destruct the house. He does not ever voice his concerns. • Old Misery/Mr. Thomas: He is a stock character because he is the typical “old man” who lives for peace and the preservation of beauty. Foreshadowing: As we are aware that the story is about post WWII, and after London was bombed by Hitler, the reader gets a sense that nothing is left standing. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the London Bombing foreshadows that Mr. Thomas’s house will also be destroyed. Plot: • Exposition: The reader is introduced to Trevor, or T, and his plan to destroy Mr. Thomas’s 200 year old home that...

Words: 961 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Dangerous Game

...This essay examines the villains from “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell and “The Destructors” by Graham Green. By comparison and contrast, it is found that Trevor and General Zaroff possess different temperaments and behavioral traits, and yet have many similarities in method, background, and morality. Both villains are motivated by boredom and a need to express their superiority.  Many parallels can be drawn from “The Most Dangerous Game” byRichard Connell and “The Destructors” by Graham Greene, especially between Trevor and General Zaroff. Both of them are flat characters and both are the villains of the stories in which they reside. Trevor is the protagonist of “The Destructors” and General Zaroff is the antagonist of “The Most Dangerous Game.” Trevor and General Zaroff posses different temperaments and behavioral traits, and yet have many similarities in method, background, and morality. Both villains are motivated by boredom and a need to express their superiority. General Zaroff is an older, white-haired gentleman who is affable, hospitable, and good natured, while Trevor is a young gang member who is brooding and silent. General Zaroff is a hunter, and as such is a man of action – he enjoys the chase, the hunt. The boy prefers to sit quietly while planning and scheming. Trevor does not show even “the smallest flicker of glee” (Greene, 1954), while Zaroff openly shows his amusement with the game by smiling when he finds Rainsford in a tree, and by verbally stating...

Words: 814 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Eng102 Fiction Essay

...General Writing resources and Requirements NOTE: Please use this as reference for each writing assignment! Your grade may be adversely affected if you do not follow all of these requirements. Email or call your instructor if you have questions. The required literary essays for this course demand careful planning, drafting, revising/editing, and correct documentation. The following resources and requirements provide instruction on writing, research, and avoiding plagiarism. Carefully review them before writing your literary essays. Plagiarism Plagiarism encompasses more than the use of printed sources without giving proper credit. It means handing in writing in the name of one person that another person has composed, revised, edited, or proofread without the instructor's approval. Accordingly, the following guidelines are set down, and you must study and understand them from the outset. The instructor will assume, since this issue is clearly discussed, that you will be responsible for understanding and applying it. Any fact that is not common knowledge, any idea, phrase, or paraphrase that is taken from a printed source, from a lecture, sermon, or radio broadcast must be documented. Any work submitted in English 102 will be understood to be the work of the student submitting it and his work alone. Taking credit for someone else's proofreading ability, suggestions, ideas, or words is plagiarism. An exception to this definition is group work assigned and directed...

Words: 2080 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Ali94

...35 New Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs Scott Meyers More Effective C ADDISON-WESLEY PROFESSIONAL COMPUTING SERIES ++ Conforms to the new ISO/ANSI C++ standard! From the Library of Yuri Khan Praise for More Effective C++: 35 New Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs “This is an enlightening book on many aspects of C++: both the regions of the language you seldom visit, and the familiar ones you THOUGHT you understood. Only by understanding deeply how the C++ compiler interprets your code can you hope to write robust software using this language. This book is an invaluable resource for gaining that level of understanding. After reading this book, I feel like I've been through a code review with a master C++ programmer, and picked up many of his most valuable insights.” — Fred Wild, Vice President of Technology, Advantage Software Technologies “This book includes a great collection of important techniques for writing programs that use C++ well. It explains how to design and implement the ideas, and what hidden pitfalls lurk in some obvious alternative designs. It also includes clear explanations of features recently added to C++. Anyone who wants to use these new features will want a copy of this book close at hand for ready reference.” — Christopher J. Van Wyk, Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science, Drew University “Industrial strength C++ at its best. The perfect companion to those who have read Effective C++.” — Eric Nagler, C++ Instructor...

Words: 43056 - Pages: 173

Premium Essay

Sem 5 Bca

...University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune University of Pune Pattern 2008, w.e.f. 2010-11 Semester – V Course No. 501 502 503 504 505 506 Subject Name VB.NET or VB.NET Programming Internet Programming and Cyber Law Principals of Marketing Core Java Project work ( VB ) Computer Laboratory and Practical Work (.NET + Core Java ) Semester – VI Course No. 601 602 603 604 605 606 Subject Names E-Commerce Multimedia Systems Introduction to Syspro And Operating Systems Advance Java Project Work (Banking & Finance, Cost Analysis, Financial Analysis, Payroll, EDP, ERP etc.) Computer Laboratory and Practical Work (Multimedia + Advanced Java) University of Pune, T.Y. B.C.A., Semester V & VI 2 T.Y. B.C.A. Semester V Subject Name -: VB.NET or VB.NET Programming. Course Code -: 501 Sr. No. 1. TOPICS .NET Framework (Introduction to .NET Framework) 1.1 Introduction 1.2 CLR 1.3 CTS 1.4 MSIL 1.5 Garbage Collection 1.6 Assemblies 1.6.1 Assembly content 1.6.2 Assembly types VB.Net Programming 2.1 Windows Forms 2.1.1. Setting Title Bar Text 2.1.2. Seeing the initial position of a form 2.1.3. Minimizing/Maximising a form 2.1.4. Working with multiple forms 2.1.5. Setting the StartUp Form 2.1.6. Adding controls to a form 2.1.7. Setting properties at Design Time...

Words: 3973 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Assigment

...CS301 – Data Structures ___________________________________________________________________ Data Structures 1 CS301 – Data Structures ___________________________________________________________________ Data Structures..........................................................................................................1 Lecture No. 01 ............................................................................................................3 Lecture No. 02 ..........................................................................................................12 Lecture No. 03 ..........................................................................................................21 Lecture No. 04 ..........................................................................................................34 Lecture No. 05 ..........................................................................................................49 Lecture No. 06 ..........................................................................................................59 Lecture No. 07 ..........................................................................................................66 Lecture No. 08 ..........................................................................................................73 Lecture No. 09 ..........................................................................................................84 Lecture No. 10 ....................................

Words: 13571 - Pages: 55

Premium Essay

Marketing

...Marketing Theory http://mtq.sagepub.com/ Marketing the hegemony of development: of pulp fictions and green deserts Steffen Böhm and Vinícius Brei Marketing Theory 2008 8: 339 DOI: 10.1177/1470593108096540 The online version of this article can be found at: http://mtq.sagepub.com/content/8/4/339 Published by: http://www.sagepublications.com Additional services and information for Marketing Theory can be found at: Email Alerts: http://mtq.sagepub.com/cgi/alerts Subscriptions: http://mtq.sagepub.com/subscriptions Reprints: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsReprints.nav Permissions: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav Citations: http://mtq.sagepub.com/content/8/4/339.refs.html Downloaded from mtq.sagepub.com at Glasgow University Library on July 5, 2011 Volume 8(4): 339–366 Copyright © 2008 SAGE www.sagepublications.com DOI: 10.1177/1470593108096540 articles Marketing the hegemony of development: of pulp fictions and green deserts1 Steffen Böhm University of Essex, UK Vinícius Brei Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Brazil Abstract. In this paper we analyze the role of marketing in the construction of what can be called the hegemony of development. Through an investigation of the marketing practices of the pulp and paper industry in South America and the resistances that are articulated by a range of civil society actors against the expansion of this industry, we problematize marketing as a political and contested...

Words: 13036 - Pages: 53

Premium Essay

Simply Wooo

...UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULA AND FACULTY 2007 – 2011 Proposed 2009 – 2013 2 Requirements for the BBA degree: Foundation Courses 40-41 Credits Core Courses 45 Credits Departmental Requirement 24 Credits Minor 15 Credits Total variable requirement for Graduation 124-125 Credits Foundation Courses Communication Skills ENG 101 ENG 102 ENG 105* ENG 106 ENG 202 Listening and Speaking Skills English Reading Skills Business English Advanced English Skills Introduction to English Literature 40-41 Credits 9 3 3 3 3 3 * Prerequisite ENG 101 & 102 Note: students not exempted from ENG 101 and ENG 102 will have to take ENG 101, ENG 102 and ENG 105. Note: students exempted from ENG 101 and ENG 102 will have to take ENG 105, ENG 106, ENG 202 Computer Skills CIS 101* CSC 101** Fundamentals of Computer System Introduction to Computer Science 3 3 3 * For students without basic knowledge of computer **For students with basic knowledge of computer & mandatory for students with Major in subjects offered from the SECS Numeracy MAT 100* MAT 210* Basic University Mathematics 1 Basic University Mathematics 2 6 3 3 3 *MAT 100 and MAT 210 mandatory for SLAS majors(English, Media & Communication, Anthropology) other than Sociology MAT 101* MAT 211* MAT 102* MAT 212* Intermediate University Mathematics II Probability and Statistics Introduction to Linear Algebra & Calculus Probability & Statistics for Sc. & Engr. 3 3 3 3 **MAT 101and MAT 211 mandatory for...

Words: 16148 - Pages: 65

Premium Essay

Cmmkfgdk

...programming interview questions and solutions Plus: • Five proven approaches to solving tough algorithm questions • Ten mistakes candidates make -- and how to avoid them • Steps to prepare for behavioral and technical questions • Interviewer war stories: a view from the interviewer’s side CODING GAYLE LAAKMANN Founder and CEO, CareerCup.com CRACKING THE CODING INTERVIEW CRACKING THE INTERVIEW 150 Programming Interview Questions and Solutions CODING GAYLE LAAKMANN Founder and CEO, CareerCup.com CareerCup, LLC Seattle, WA CRACKING THE CODING INTERVIEW, FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2008 - 2010 by Gayle Laakmann. All rights reserved. Published by CareerCup, LLC, Seattle, WA. Version 3.21090410302210. Visit our website at: www.careercup.com. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews. For more information, contact support@careercup.com. Printed in United States of America 978-1-450-59320-5 9781450593205 (ISBN 13) Table of Contents Foreword Introduction Behind the Scenes The Microsoft Interview The Amazon Interview The Google Interview The Apple Interview The Yahoo Interview Interview War Stories Before the Interview Resume Advice Behavioral Preparation Technical Preparation The Interview and Beyond Handling Behavioral Questions Handling Technical Questions Five Algorithm Approaches The Offer and Beyond Top Ten Mistakes Candidates Make...

Words: 47808 - Pages: 192

Premium Essay

Hai, How Are U

...UNIVERSITY OF KERALA B. TECH. DEGREE COURSE 2008 ADMISSION REGULATIONS and I  VIII SEMESTERS SCHEME AND SYLLABUS of COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B.Tech Comp. Sc. & Engg., University of Kerala 2 UNIVERSITY OF KERALA B.Tech Degree Course – 2008 Scheme REGULATIONS 1. Conditions for Admission Candidates for admission to the B.Tech degree course shall be required to have passed the Higher Secondary Examination, Kerala or 12th Standard V.H.S.E., C.B.S.E., I.S.C. or any examination accepted by the university as equivalent thereto obtaining not less than 50% in Mathematics and 50% in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry/ Bio- technology/ Computer Science/ Biology put together, or a diploma in Engineering awarded by the Board of Technical Education, Kerala or an examination recognized as equivalent thereto after undergoing an institutional course of at least three years securing a minimum of 50 % marks in the final diploma examination subject to the usual concessions allowed for backward classes and other communities as specified from time to time. 2. Duration of the course i) The course for the B.Tech Degree shall extend over a period of four academic years comprising of eight semesters. The first and second semester shall be combined and each semester from third semester onwards shall cover the groups of subjects as given in the curriculum and scheme of examination ii) Each semester shall ordinarily comprise of not less than 400 working periods each of 60 minutes duration...

Words: 34195 - Pages: 137

Free Essay

Hacking the Art of Exploitation

...2nd Edition Hacking the art of exploitation jon erickson PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF HACKING: THE ART OF EXPLOITATION “Most complete tutorial on hacking techniques. Finally a book that does not just show how to use the exploits but how to develop them.” —PHRACK “From all the books I’ve read so far, I would consider this the seminal hackers handbook.” —SECURITY FORUMS “I recommend this book for the programming section alone.” —UNIX REVIEW “I highly recommend this book. It is written by someone who knows of what he speaks, with usable code, tools and examples.” —IEEE CIPHER “Erickson’s book, a compact and no-nonsense guide for novice hackers, is filled with real code and hacking techniques and explanations of how they work.” —COMPUTER POWER USER (CPU) MAGAZINE “This is an excellent book. Those who are ready to move on to [the next level] should pick this book up and read it thoroughly.” —ABOUT.COM INTERNET/NETWORK SECURITY ® San Francisco HACKING: THE ART OF EXPLOITATION, 2ND EDITION. Copyright © 2008 by Jon Erickson. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher. Printed on recycled paper in the United States of America 11 10 09 08 07 123456789 ISBN-10: 1-59327-144-1 ISBN-13: 978-1-59327-144-2 Publisher:...

Words: 139438 - Pages: 558

Free Essay

Design Pattern

...Design Patterns Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software Produced by KevinZhang Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software Contents Preface to CD ........................................................ 5 Preface to Book ...................................................... 7 Foreword ............................................................. 9 Guide to Readers .................................................... 10 1 Introduction ...................................................... 11 1.1 What Is a Design Pattern? ...................................... 12 1.2 Design Patterns in Smalltalk MVC ............................... 14 1.3 Describing Design Patterns ..................................... 16 1.4 The Catalog of Design Patterns ................................. 18 1.5 Organizing the Catalog ......................................... 21 1.6 How Design Patterns Solve Design Problems ...................... 23 1.7 How to Select a Design Pattern ................................. 42 1.8 How to Use a Design Pattern .................................... 44 2 A Case Study: Designing a Document Editor ......................... 46 2.1 Design Problems ................................................ 46 2.2 Document Structure ............................................. 47 2.3 Formatting ..................................................... 53 2.4 Embellishing the User Interface ................................ 56 2.5 Supporting Multiple...

Words: 84976 - Pages: 340