A writer who looked at “life’s moral ambiguities in the context of political settings.” (Britannica)
Was upper class, but he rebelled from his upbringing and ran away. He was sent to a psychoanalyst.
His most novel that made him popular, the thriller Stamboul Train, was made into the popular film, Orient Express.
His works explore “the contrasting moral attitudes of its main characters.” (Britannica)
His works examine the “moral and spiritual struggles within individuals, but the larger political and social settings” of his works.
3 of 5
Things to look at as you read as an AP student in “The Destructors”
The year that it was published. 1954. What had happened in Europe (and specifically London) less than 10 years before.
You need to realize that the story is actually an extended metaphor about the struggles between the upper class ( the last holdouts of nobility) and the struggling lower working class that emerged after the destruction of WWII.
Old Misery’s House is a symbol. What does it represent? How is it described physically? What does that say about what it represents?
Ask yourself why it is so important to “T” to totally destroy Old Misery’s house.
4 of 5
This is a challenging piece to start as our first analysis, so….
Pay attention to the type of diction that the story is narrated in in contrast to the diction of the boy’s dialogue.
Look for important symbols: Names, numbers, characters, and actions.
Look for key passages (or just sentences) that explicitly state the UT of the piece.
Look for the allusions. Hint: We covered both of them.
5 of 5
Now reread and discuss with your partner.
Complete the TTSTCANDI.
Remember: The key to the class, as well as passing the AP Exam later, is to FOCUS ON WHAT YOU KNOW,NOT WHAT YOU DON’T. Do two or three things well and that will lead you to a 3 on the test and an A or B in the class.