Politics and Symbolism in a War Torn City
...e disastrous World War II (McCarthy, p1) Chaos is all around and the people are searching for something to hold on to. In this story aspects of politics come from many different places. When the gang first meets in the parking lot in the beginning of the story they vote. The act of voting is one of the best aspects of politics, this shows democracy by letting everybody have a say in the adventures they take part in (McCarthy, p1). Also, when Trevor arrives he is late so he is not able to vote according to the rules, these rules show another aspect as they are organized enough to have rules. Blackie is the leader the Wormsley Common Gang, he is like a president, he carries out the decisions of the gang. His leadership sort of shows some democratic roots, but at some times he acts like a dictator letting no one have a say in what they do (McCarthy, p1). Yet, when Trevor puts the idea of demolishing the old house in the heads of the members it becomes a friendly rivalry of who is the leader. It was like any post-war country, one seed of an idea can spread and cause major disorganization. The gang gets somewhat disorganized and has trouble making the decision on what to do, should they go with Blackie the leader or the new kid Trevor ? As McCarthy stated in his review, ”As always in politics, the question of leadership of the party becomes crucial, “ (p2). Trevor begins his quick rise to power as Blackie suddenly falls from his position of power (McCarthy, p5) The gang eventually goes with Trevor to demolish the house. Symbolism is used in “The Destructors” this literary device is used in two ways. First, symbolism is used for the house. The house symbolizes the old government of England. It is still standing after the war as a reminder of the old traditions. The house is under attack like the Conservatives were after the war. The house just like the government party fell to the attacks and both joined the rubble from the war (McCarthy, p3-5). So using the house to symbolize the government Greene was able to write about things happening during his time. The second use of symbolism would be the gang. They s...