Indirect vs. Direct Presentation Essay

The Destructors, by Graham Greene, both in cypher and direct presentation is implemented to pull up stakes a multidimensional portrayal of the characters in the story. This device is effective because each type of presentation provides the reader with a distinguishable perspective into each character. The creator presents the characters directly by telling the reader details about the characters and presents the characters indirectly by showing the reader. Direct presentation permits for more of a complete intellectual of the characters while indirect presentation forces the reader to make inferences based on dialogue and occurrences throughout the story.Direct presentation is effective especially in the lineage of a short story because the reader have gots a primary and absolute insight into each characters emotions, which will in turn allow them to interpret actions and developments later on in the story. Mikes young age, and childish navet is immediately exposed when Greene directly presents him as nine and surprised by everything (111). Mikes character is cl early(a) defined with little left for the reader to interpret. The author can best express his finding through this type of presentation.Greene uses direct presentation when he introduces major members of the mob such as Blackie, Trevor, and Mike. Greene chance upons Blackies acceptance of his class standing as he describes Blackies reservations with Trevors plan. He was just, he had no jealousy, he was anxious to retain T. in the gang if he could. It was the word beautiful that worried him that belonged to a class world that you could still see parodied at the Wormsley Common Empire by a man wearing a top hat and a monocle, with a haw-haw accent (114). In this illustration, direct presentation is quite effective because Greene reveals that Blackie is not a resentful character this is a truth that would be very difficult for a reader to infer.Old wretchedness is also presented directly. Gree ne provides direct insight into Old Misery as he describes his background early in the story. Old Misery-whose real name was Thomas-had once been a builder and decorator. He lived alone in the crippled rear, doing for himself (112). This saves theauthor from having to digress from the plot in order to indirectly characterize Old Misery, which would in essence detract from the true purpose of the story.Indirect presentation is used throughout the story to reveal subtleties and more importantly, to accentuate the storys many paradoxes. Greenes usage of indirect presentation in exposing these truths adds to the profundity of the story.Greene cleverly shows Blackies insecurity when Blackie attempts to stave off Trevors plan of destroying Old Miserys house as he feebly states, there wouldnt be time, Ive seen housebreakers at work. no(prenominal) of us know how (115). When Trevor taunts him and his leadership position seems compromised Blackie uneasily says, its proposed that tomorrow and Monday we destroy Old Miserys house (115). Greene uses the word uneasily to indirectly present Blackies insecurity and to distinguish him from his malevolent foil, Trevor.Blackies foil, Trevor, also known by the gang as T., is a very bitter character. Greene uses direct presentation to illustrate the many paradoxes surrounding him. T.s attitude towards Old Misery is quite paradoxical. On the one hand, he sets about destroying his house, treating him disrespectfully, and regarding him with suspicion. At the alike time, however, T. expresses that he does not hate Old Misery when he says, of course I striket hate him. Thered be no fun if I hated him (118). Although his destructive behavior is not personal, the consequences are tremendous for Old Misery, but T. is unable to consider such consequences. Another instance of indirect presentation is when T. takes Mr. Thomass seventy one-pound notes, but not for personal gain.Instead, he and Blackie take each pound note and light the t op corner, so that the flame burns slowly towards their fingers (118). Essentially, T. takes items that are inherently valuable, but he has no interest in making use of that value. T.s attitude toward Old Miserys house is paradoxical as well. T. said, Its a beautiful house, as he still watched the ground meeting no ones eyes (114). Green shows T.s distaste for wealth and for the upper classwhen he notes Ts lack of eye contact with the gang. He knows the house is beautiful, but his feelings about beauty, especially as they relate to social classes makes it easy for him to destroy it anyway.The Wormsley Common Gang is presented indirectly as a whole. Greene presents the gang indirectly rather than directly for the sole reason that the gang often thinks as a whole but is ultimately made up of many different members. This is shown when Mr. Thomas attempts to reach out to the boys and give them chocolates. Many members chime in their opinions on Mr. Thomas motives however, Blackie, their leader at the time, picks the reasoning that most suits him. Well show him we dont take bribes (113). They sacrificed the whole morning to the game of bouncing that only Mike was young enough to enjoy (113). Even though none of the gang enjoyed the activity except for Mike they participated anyways. This instance indirectly reveals the insecurity of each individual gang member. Though the gang stands by the decision, none of its members even get enjoyment out of it.The gangs judgmental tendencies and fickly characteristics are shown through the power struggle for leadership between Blackie and T. For the initiatory time since T. had strolled into the carpark on the first day of the holidays his position was in dancer. It only inquire a single use of his real name and the gang would be at his heels (114). The fact that Trevor feels the need to go by T. when he is with the gang reveals his own insecurity as well as the judgmental qualities of the gang. Just a few days previous Blac kie had been the leader of the gang however now they paid no more attention to him than to a stranger (115). Blackie was dimly aware of the fickleness of favor (115).Especially in short stories, presentation is essential. Greene does an excellent job as he masterfully uses both direct and indirect presentation to convey his message in The Destructors. He immediately develops the main characters through direct presentation. This way, the readers have a predisposition about each character therefore making the eventual character hawk more dramatic. He uses indirect presentation to describe the gang and to reveal the subtleties and paradoxes within the story. The Destructorsis an effective literary work because of its multidimensional qualities enabled by Greens brilliant control of presentation.Work CitedThe Destructors by Graham Greene