Two Different Reactions to the Adult World: Youths in the Works of Graham Greene

Graham Greene, in his works, "The Destructors" and "The Basement Room", presents two youthful characters, Trevor and Master Philip, who are affected differently by emersion into the adult world. Trevor, a member of the "lost generation" following World War I, belongs to the Wormsley Common Gang. Trevor is affected by the adult world in that he is seeks to gain, for the Gang, a reputation among the adult gangs. When confronted with this Trevor shows …

…grow up presented by post World War II society, completely bypassing his childhood, Trevor achieves his goal of dominating the Gang. He has learned through the destruction of Old Misery's house, the abilities that are necessary if one is to succeed in life: the ability to command a group, the ability to gain the respect of strangers, and the ability to get the job done no matter what extenuating circumstances one has to go through.