"The Destructors" is a short story by Graham Greene that was first published in 1954. The story takes place in post-war London, in a neighborhood that has been devastated by bombing during World War II. The central characters in the story are a group of teenage boys who are members of a gang called the Wormsley Common Gang.
The story begins with the introduction of the main character, Trevor, also known as "T." T is the leader of the gang and is described as being intelligent and cunning. The other members of the gang are Mike, Blackie, and Bill.
One day, the gang comes across an old, dilapidated house that has been abandoned since the war. T comes up with a plan to destroy the house, and the gang sets to work, tearing it down piece by piece. As they work, the boys begin to argue and fight among themselves, with T ultimately emerging as the leader and making all the decisions.
Throughout the story, Greene uses the destruction of the house as a metaphor for the destruction that has taken place in the boys' lives and in the world around them. The boys are shown to be angry and bitter about the war and the changes it has brought to their lives, and they take out their anger on the house.
In addition to the theme of destruction, the story also explores themes of power, authority, and conformity. T is a natural leader, and he wields a great deal of power over the other boys in the gang. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that T is not necessarily a good leader, as he is willing to sacrifice the well-being of the others in order to further his own goals.
As the story comes to a close, T's actions lead to the demise of the gang, as the other boys turn against him and the house is finally destroyed. In the end, T is left alone, standing amidst the rubble, as the other boys walk away.
Overall, "The Destructors" is a thought-provoking and poignant tale that explores themes of destruction, power, and conformity in a post-war society. Through the character of T and the destruction of the house, Greene presents a powerful commentary on the impact of war and the dangers of blindly following authority.
A good hook for an essay is a sentence or group of sentences that captures the reader's attention and encourages them to keep reading. It is an essential part of the introduction and should be carefully crafted to engage the reader's curiosity and interest.
There are many different ways to create a good hook for an essay. Some common techniques include using a quote, asking a question, using an anecdote, or making a bold statement.
For example, you might start your essay with a quote from a famous person that relates to your topic. This can be an effective way to set the stage for your essay and draw the reader in. Alternatively, you might ask a provocative question that challenges the reader to think about your topic in a new way. This can be especially effective if you can create a sense of mystery or intrigue around the question.
Another way to create a good hook is to use an anecdote, or a brief story, to illustrate your point. This can be especially effective if you can tell a personal story that is related to your topic in some way. By sharing a bit of your own experiences, you can create a sense of connection with your reader and make your essay more relatable.
Finally, you might try making a bold statement that challenges the reader's assumptions or beliefs. This can be a powerful way to grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading to see how you will defend your position.
Overall, a good hook for an essay should be engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant to your topic. By using one of these techniques, you can help to draw your reader into your essay and keep them interested in what you have to say.