Secondly, the setting emphasizes the contrast between the boys' destructive actions and the larger backdrop of wartime destruction. While the boys engage in mindless acts of vandalism and destruction, the city of London is already in ruins due to the war. This contrast serves to underscore the senselessness and futility of their actions, as they contribute to the destruction that has already been wrought by warfare.
Thirdly, the setting raises questions about the consequences of war and the impact it has on the psyches of individuals, especially young people. The story suggests that the boys' destructive behavior may be a manifestation of the psychological trauma and social dislocation caused by the war. By placing the story in war-torn London, Greene draws attention to the psychological complexities and moral ambiguities that arise in the aftermath of war.
In this sense, the setting in "The Destructors" is not merely a backdrop, but an integral part of the story's themes and commentary on the effects of war and the destructive tendencies of human nature.