Themes and message

Social class and wealth

An important theme in the short story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene is the theme of social class, particularly in the context of Britain.

The characters’ social class is strongly implied in the story. The gang finds Trevor’s upper-class full name and his parents’ background and attitudes a reason for mockery. They are surprised at his knowledge about architecture and do not care to discuss architecture or art. Moreover, Blackie finds Trevor’s use of the word beautiful to describe the house a reminder of the appreciation of aesthetics of the upper class. While they might focus on the artistic and aesthetic elements of a house, the lower class would focus on practicality and view it simply as a home. The upper class, in the gang’s eyes, is represented by a stereotypical man with a top hat and monocle and with a fancy ac...