Symbolism In The Destructors

Is it possible for someone to experience something even if they never have truly experienced the event? Many will disagree, but Graham Greene can easily cause someone to feel this way. In the short story, “The Destructors”, by Graham Greene, he uses several different literary elements to help the reader become one with the story. Some of the elements include characterization, symbolism, and the usage of several different themes throughout the story. Greene uses characterization to help one become a part of the story by helping them understand each character better, he uses symbolism to help bring the reader into the fictitious world of The Wormsly Common Gang, perhaps even his own world, by using different types symbolism, Greene uses themes

The majority of characters are different, each one has their own personality and outlooks. In example, Trevor is the newest member of the gang. Unlike the other boys T. comes from a wealthy family who, unfortunately, has fallen on hard times. To be more rebellious, and possibly to establish himself as a new member of the gang, T. suggests the idea of destroying Old Misery’s house. The old leader of the gang, Blackie, took the gang serious. He is having trouble determining if T. will do the same. Despite T. coming from a much wealthier background, he becomes loyal to him once everyone abandons the gang, Blackie does this in order to hold prestige for the gang. Perhaps the most important nonessential character is Mikey. He is the youngest of the boys and is very childlike still. He is the boy that tells the others that Old Misery is coming, for which he is proud of. When the boys come up with the plan to trap him Mikey follows the order precisely. Summers, another boy in the gang, sees playing pranks as a way to have fun. He thinks it is fun as long as they do not get caught by the police. Once Mikey notifies the boys that Old Misery is on the way back, he decides not to support T. anymore. Blackie, somehow, convinces Summers to become loyal once again in order to maintain the prestige of the gang. Old Misery’s house,

Graham Greene uses his ability as an outstanding author to help you learn, understand, and become one with the story. He is able to do this, because he incorporates the usage of literary elements into the story, some of which were discussed previously. Symbolism, characterization, and themes are used in the majority of the stories. Greene uses these in such a way that it not only develops the characters and to progress the stories, but to also bring you in on a personal level to the plot. Characterization is used to help distinctly identify each individual character. Themes are used to help us decide what is right and wrong. Symbolism throughout the story shows brings us insight on the actions taken during the story. It is frequently used in “The Destructors” in order for us to link everyday objects to a deeper, more personal meaning. The usage of these common items can help us become more personal with the story to some