Language

Style of language

The short story “The Destructors” by Graham Greene is written in a neutral style of language. 

The narrator does not use informal language, slang, or contractions. This marks a distinct difference from the dialogue in which most characters use informal language or spellings and slang, such as “ ‘Pinched ‘em and then got in a bleeding funk’ ” or “ ‘We’d go to jug’ “. This type of language shows the gang members belong to the working class. 

The language used to describe Wormsley Common consists of mainly negative words: “the shattered Northwood Terrace”, “tired evergreens”, “swirls of dust”, “a tomb in a neglected graveyard”. This further highlights that Wormsley is a poor and badly-maintained area and makes Mr. Thomas’ house stand out against the bleak background. 

The repetition of the sentence “ ‘There’s nothing personal.’ ” is significant. The sentence is spoken first by one of the gang while Mr. Thomas is locked in the toilet, and then by ...