Analysis

The short story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene has a linear and chronological structure and is split into four parts. It begins with a line of foreshadowing from the narrator that is meant to hook the reader to continue reading. 

The main characters of the story are Trevor, the newest recruit of a gang of boys, Blackie, the leader of the gang, and Mr. Thomas, an old man from the neighborhood. The gang plans to destroy Mr. Thomas’ house. 

The physical setting is Wormsley Common, a part of England, about a decade after the end of the Second World War. The social setting explores the class system in Britain. 

The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The narrator is omniscient and provides additional information about the events of the story, as well as the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

The language is neutral. The characters use informal language and slang which shows their social class.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.