Mr. Thomas is an old man who worked as a decorator and builder when he was younger, before World War 2. Thomas “Old Misery,” and indeed he seems like a sad and lonely figure. ...
Is Mr Thomas Old Misery?
Mr. Thomas is an old man who worked as a decorator and builder when he was younger, before World War 2. Thomas “Old Misery,” and indeed he seems like a sad and lonely figure. ...
What does Old Misery represent in The Destructors?
Old Misery comes to symbolize the hardship in the aftermath of WWII . He’s portrayed as living in a damaged house with broken plumbing and electricity. The house used to be beautiful, refined, and upper class, but now, because of the war, it stands alone in a bombed out neighborhood.
What does Mr Thomas represent in The Destructors?
Thomas is a flat character in “The Destructors” by Graham Greene because he has only one or two personality traits, which are not altered in course of the narrative. In this story that is set post-World War II, Mr. Thomas represents the older generation of Great Britain and its past tradition .
Why is Trevor called T in The Destructors?
Trevor, also known as T., takes over the gang from Blackie. At first, they do not make fun of him even though everything about him means they usually would . This is one of the reasons his name gets shortened to T. He never wasted a word even to tell his name until that was required of him by the rules.
How old is Trevor in The Destructors?
Trevor, who goes by T., is the new leader of the Wormsley Common gang. He is fifteen years old and has gray eyes.
Why does Trevor burn Old Misery’s money instead of keeping it?
Why does Trevor burn Old Misery’s money instead of keeping it? Trevor burns Old Misery’s money instead of keeping it because he doesn’t want to be a thief .
What does the house symbolize in the destructors?
In Graham Greene’s “The Destructors,” Mr. Thomas’s house symbolizes England after World War II . First of all, the structure of the house, known as the “Old Misery’s,” represents the past glory of England. The elaborateness of the house is symbolic of the old class structure.
What is the importance in the ending of the destructors?
I think that part of the significance of the ending is that it helps to bring out the reality of the world following the wanton destruction that was the child of World War II . The effect of the bombing on London is evident. There is nothing but destruction that surrounds the people of London.
How is the destructors ironic?
The most obvious irony in “The Destructors” by Graham Greene concerns the leader of the Wormsley Common gang . ... When T suggests that they destroy the place instead, the boys have to be convinced; but eventually they are captivated by the idea, and that is when T takes over the gang.
Why did the driver laugh in The Destructors?
The lorry driver’s laughter suggests that the boy’s hostility to the old pre-war world of strict social class, and their affinity for destruction , is shared more broadly by the community of people around them as well. ...
Who Built Mr Thomas House in The Destructors?
Mr. Thomas’s house is extremely valuable because it was designed and built by the man widely considered to be England’s greatest architect, Christopher Wren . This is revealed to the gang by Trevor. “Wren built that house, father says.”
What are Trevor’s reasons for wanting to destroy Mr Thomas House?
Graham Greene himself once said, “Destruction, after all, is a form of creation.” Trevor represents class struggle; he also exhibits the nihilism that resulted from the great wars, especially World War II. They destroyed Old Misery’s house because it was there, and because mob mentality took over .
Why did T burn the money in the destructors?
Thomas’s money, he responds with disdain to Blackie’s inquiry as to whether he intends to steal it. For T., burning the money is a celebratory act that allows him to feel liberated from the fixation on material possessions that dominates his home life .
Who is the antagonist in the destructors?
Mr. Thomas : Mr. Thomas is the most obvious choice as antagonist, because the boys attempt to circumvent his authority by destroying his house and locking him in the outhouse.
Who was old misery?
Old Misery – whose real name was Thomas – had once been a builder and decorator. He lived alone in the crippled house, doing for himself... So he lives alone, and his attitude with the boys shows that he is lonely and wants company.
